Objective:

The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of digital and plaster model methods and the time required for analysis.

Methods:

A total of 30 subjects (20 females, 10 males; mean age, 14.36±6.30 years), who required plaster models for the construction of either a fixed or a removable orthodontic appliance, were randomly selected. As part of the diagnostic records, digital impressions with a three-dimensional (3D) intra-oral scanner (TriosColor-P13 Shape) were taken from all subjects. Conventional impressions for the orthodontic appliances were taken with alginate (Orthoprint, Zhermack, Italy), and the plaster models were obtained (Scheu-Dental, GmbH.D-58642, Iserlohn, Germany). Two groups were formed. In the conventional measurement group, manual measurements were taken on the plaster models, while in the digital measurement group, the 3Shape OrthoAnalyzer 2013 software was used to make the measurements on the 3D models. In both groups, the total time required to perform the Bolton analysis and space analysis was recorded, and the results were compared.

Results:

There was no statistically significant difference found between the two groups in terms of the measurement values. The total time to perform all the analyses was determined to be shorter with digital models compared to conventional plaster models (p<0.001).

Conclusion:

The Bolton analysis and space analysis measurements carried out on 3D models did not show any statistically significant difference compared to plaster models. The time taken to perform the analyses was shorter using digital models than for conventional plaster models.

Keywords: Dental models, imaging, three-dimensional, orthodontics, software