title: A reliable method for evaluating upper molar distalization: Superimposition of three-dimensional digital models.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of measurements obtained after the superimposition of three-dimensional (3D) digital models by comparing them with those obtained from lateral cephalometric radiographs and photocopies of plaster models for the evaluation of upper molar distalization.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected from plaster models and lateral cephalometric radiographs of 20 Class II patients whose maxillary first molars were distalized with an intraoral distalizer. The posterior movements of the maxillary first molars were evaluated using lateral cephalometric radiographs (group CP), photocopies of plaster models (group PH), and digitized 3D models (group TD). Additionally, distalization and expansion of the other teeth and the degrees of molar rotation were measured in group PH and group TD and compared between the two groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No significant difference was observed regarding the amount of molar distalization among the three groups. A comparison of the aforementioned parameters between group PH and group TD did not reveal any significant difference.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  3D digital models are reliable to assess the results of upper molar distalization and can be considered a valid alternative to conventional measurement methods.
authors: Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey.
authors: Ruhi
authors: R
authors: Nalcaci
authors: Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey.
authors: Ayse Burcu
authors: AB
authors: Kocoglu-Altan
authors: Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Gaziosmanpasa University, Tokat, Turkey.
authors: Ali Altug
authors: AA
authors: Bicakci
authors: Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey.
authors: Firat
authors: F
authors: Ozturk
authors: Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey.
authors: Hasan
authors: H
authors: Babacan
keywords: Digital models; Distalization; Superimposition