Comparison of dental dimensions in models developed with digital procedures and plaster models

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to collect evidence on the validity and reliability of measurements obtained from digital impression techniques. Materials and Methods: This comparative study was conducted on 31 patients. Intraoral scanner was applied to all patients. For each patient, an alginate impression of the upper maxilla was taken and later the 3D digital model was extracted by dental cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). For preparation of plaster models, alginate impressions were taken and immediately poured with dental stone. In the next stage, a comparison was performed among the intraoral scanner, CBCT, and plaster models in terms of tooth size, dental width, and intra-arch dimensions. Results: Measuring tooth size and intra-arch dimensions in digital images obtained from intraoral scanner and CBCT were in most cases lower than the results obtained in the plaster models but the differences between digital techniques and plaster models are not clinically noticeable. Conclusions: Digital systems including intraoral scanner and CBCT are acceptable for clinical use in terms of accuracy.

Keywords

• cone beam computed tomography
• intraoral scanning
• plaster casts
• alginates
• orthodontics
• methods