In Vitro Analysis of the Accuracy of Intraoral Scanning in Children

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of intraoral scanning in maxillary dental arches of children. Material and Methods: Twenty-five edentulous dental models (Group 1) and 25 dental models with complete deciduous dentition (Group 2) comprised the sample sets. An intraoral scanner was used to scan plaster models and thus obtain virtual models. Intercanine and intertuberosity distances, as well as anterior and posterior lengths (right and left), were evaluated using a digital caliper and software. Maximum, Minimum, Mean, and Root Mean Square (RMS) were the quantitative parameters evaluated of the superimposition between repeated scans. Paired t-test, independent t-test, intraclass correlation coefficient (r), Mean Absolute Difference (MAD), Technical Error of Measurement (TEM), and Relative Percentage Error (RPE) were used. Results: Methodological reliability showed no statistically significant difference (p>0.05). In both groups, there was no statistically significant difference between the compared methodologies (p>0.06), and it also showed r = 0.970 to 0.996. The MADs were equal to or less than 0.08 in both groups. The TEM ranged from 0.147 to 0.199 in Group 1 and 0.119 to 0.224 in Group 2. The RPE in the samples evaluated was excellent (RPE < 1%). The RMS of the superimposition between the scanned surfaces showed excellent values inferior to 0.10 mm. Conclusion: The use of intraoral scanner equipment is essential for professionals who provide pediatric dental care to know the accuracy of an impression method that makes the child's clinical procedure safer, more precise, faster, comfortable, and playful.

Keywords

• Dimensional Measurement Accuracy
• Imaging, Three-Dimensional
• Dental Arch
• Child