Three-Dimensional Accuracy of Digitally Planned Orthodontic Tooth Movement in a Fully Customized Self-Ligating...

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Dental Technology

Background:

• Advancements in lingual orthodontic systems include CAD/CAM-designed, customized, self-ligating (SL) appliances.
• These systems aim to improve treatment predictability and efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the three-dimensional accuracy of a customized SL lingual orthodontic system.
• To compare digitally planned tooth positions with achieved outcomes after treatment.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 280 teeth treated with a customized SL lingual system (Harmony®).
• Superimposition of digital models (T0, TS, T1) using GOM Inspect software.
• Quantification of tooth movements (tip, torque, rotation, linear, vertical, overall displacement) and comparison of predicted vs. achieved results.

Main Results:

• Overall dentition accuracy was 92.1%.
• Mean linear accuracy was 94.5% (maxilla) and 93.8% (mandible).
• Mean angular accuracy was 90.8% (maxilla) and 89.3% (mandible), with highest precision in anterior teeth and lowest in posterior rotational movements.

Conclusions:

• The customized SL lingual system demonstrates high accuracy in replicating planned tooth movements.
• Treatment outcomes are mechanically and clinically acceptable, despite slightly lower accuracy in posterior regions.