title: Digital casts in orthodontics: a comparison of 4 software systems.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The introduction of digital cast models is inevitable in the otherwise digitized everyday life of orthodontics. The introduction of this new technology, however, is not straightforward, and selecting an appropriate system can be difficult. The aim of the study was to compare 4 orthodontic digital software systems regarding service, features, and usability.
  
  
  METHODS
  Information regarding service offered by the companies was obtained from questionnaires and Web sites. The features of each software system were collected by exploring the user manuals and the software programs. Replicas of pretreatment casts were sent to Cadent (OrthoCAD; Cadent, Carlstadt, NJ), OthoLab (O3DM; OrthoLab, Poznan, Poland), OrthoProof (DigiModel; OrthoProof, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands), and 3Shape (OrthoAnalyzer; 3Shape, Copenhagen, Denmark). The usability of the programs was assessed by experts in interaction design and usability using the "enhanced cognitive walkthrough" method: 4 tasks were defined and performed by a group of domain experts while they were observed by usability experts.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The services provided by the companies were similar. Regarding the features, all 4 systems were able to perform basic measurements; however, not all provided the peer assessment rating index or the American Board of Orthodontics analysis, simulation of the treatment with braces, or digital articulation of the casts. All systems demonstrated weaknesses in usability. However, OrthoCAD and 03DM were considered to be easier to learn for first-time users.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In general, the usability of these programs was poor and needs to be further developed. Hands-on training supervised by the program experts is recommended for beginners.
authors.affiliation: Associate professor, Department of Orthodontics, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden. Electronic address: anna.westerlund@odontologi.gu.se.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Westerlund
authors.affiliation: Interaction designer, Essiq Consulting Company, Gothenburg, Sweden.
authors.forename: Weronika
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Tancredi
authors.affiliation: Professor, Department of Orthodontics, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ransjö
authors.affiliation: Head of specialist training, Orthodontist, Public Dental Service, Västra Götaland Region, Gothenburg, Sweden.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bresin
authors.affiliation: Orthodontist, Public Dental Healthcare Service, Västra Götaland Region, Gothenburg, Sweden.
authors.forename: Spyros
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Psonis
authors.affiliation: Associate professor, Department of Applied Information Technology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
authors.forename: Olof
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Torgersson
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D017076:Computer-Aided Design / Q000191:economics; D003760:Dental Impression Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D003761:Dental Impression Technique / Q000295:instrumentation; D005246:Feedback; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D007574:Jaw Relation Record; D007754:Laboratories, Dental; D008370:Manuals as Topic; D003765:Models, Dental / Q000191:economics; D009967:Orthodontic Appliances; D009971:Orthodontics, Corrective / Q000379:methods; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D012984:Software; D014584:User-Computer Interface
chemical_list: D003760:Dental Impression Materials