Accuracy, reproducibility, and time efficiency of dental measurements using different technologies.
BACKGROUND
Historically, orthodontists have taken dental measurements on plaster models. Technological advances now allow orthodontists to take these measurements on digital models. In this study, we aimed to assess the accuracy, reproducibility, and time efficiency of dental measurements taken on 3 types of digital models.


METHODS
emodels (GeoDigm, Falcon Heights, Minn), SureSmile models (OraMetrix, Richardson, Tex), and AnatoModels (Anatomage, San Jose, Calif) were made for 30 patients. Mesiodistal tooth-width measurements taken on these digital models were timed and compared with those on the corresponding plaster models, which were used as the gold standard. Accuracy and reproducibility were assessed using the Bland-Altman method. Differences in time efficiency were tested for statistical significance with 1-way analysis of variance.


RESULTS
Measurements on SureSmile models were the most accurate, followed by those on emodels and AnatoModels. Measurements taken on SureSmile models were also the most reproducible. Measurements taken on SureSmile models and emodels were significantly faster than those taken on AnatoModels and plaster models.


CONCLUSIONS
Tooth-width measurements on digital models can be as accurate as, and might be more reproducible and significantly faster than, those taken on plaster models. Of the models studied, the SureSmile models provided the best combination of accuracy, reproducibility, and time efficiency of measurement.
Assistant professor, Division of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn. Electronic address: tgruenhe@umn.edu.
Thorsten
T
Grünheid
Private practice, Bolingbrook, Ill.
Nishant
N
Patel
Clinical associate professor, Division of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn.
Nanci L
NL
De Felippe
Research assistant, Biostatistical Design and Analysis Center, Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn.
Andrew
A
Wey
Research associate, Biostatistical Design and Analysis Center, Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn.
Philippe R
PR
Gaillard
Associate professor and director, Division of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn.
Brent E
BE
Larson
D002133:Calcium Sulfate / Q000737:chemistry; D003198:Computer Simulation; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods; D003764:Dental Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D004526:Efficiency; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007256:Information Systems; D007574:Jaw Relation Record; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000473:pathology; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D003765:Models, Dental / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015588:Observer Variation; D009811:Odontometry / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013674:Technology, Dental / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013997:Time Factors; D014070:Tooth / Q000473:pathology; D014584:User-Computer Interface
D003764:Dental Materials; D002133:Calcium Sulfate