Precision of Tooth Size Measurement in Digital Models Acquired by Intraoral Scanning and by Scanning of Plaster Models Versus Conventionally Cast Models

Abstract

This study compared the precision of extracting mesio-distal tooth size of each participant, from plaster models, digital models, and by scanning plaster models using the iTero Element 5D Plus scanner. Ten participants were included in the study. Descriptive analysis was carried out and the reproducibility of measurements for the three methods was assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The overall reproducibility of mesio-distal tooth size measurements on digital models was comparable to direct measurements on plaster models and the digital replicate of the study models. A trend towards lower reproducibility was found for measurements of posterior maxillary teeth in digital models.

Keywords

• intraoral scanners
• digital models
• model scanning
• 3D models
• model analysis
• orthodontics