An evaluation of concordance between linear measurements obtained from conventional, digital and reconstructed three-dimensional printed orthodontic models: An in vitro study (original) (raw)

Objective: To evaluate the potential use of digital and reconstructed three-dimensional printed models as an alternative to conventional plaster models by assessing the accuracy of their linear measurements. Methodology: Pre-treatment plaster models of 45 patients were selected from the archives of the Department of Orthodontics. Each physical plaster model was scanned and digitized using a three-dimensional (3D) laser surface scanning system (inEOS X5, Dentsply Sirona, Bensheim, Germany). The scanned STL files were later used to reconstruct models by 3D printing using Figure4® standalone 3D printer (3D systems, Rock Hill, South Carolina). Measurements of teeth 11 and 16, the transverse width of the upper jaw between the first molars (MM - intermolar width) and canines (CC - intercanine width) were done manually using a digital vernier caliper (Mitutoyo, Kawasaki, Japan), and the CAD Assistant software (Open cascade, Guyancourt, France). Intra examiner data, Intraobserver variabilit...