Evaluation of Accuracy of Intraoral Scanners versus Extra oral Scanners in Different Dental Arch Measurements

Background: Orthodontics has been influenced by new technologies in many areas. There is a shift toward digitization of patient’s information and data. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of intraoral scanner and extra oral scanners using different dental arch measurements. Materials and Methods: The sample size consisted of 44 dental stone models for patients who finished orthodontic treatment. For each subject two digital models were made, one digital model obtained from extra oral scanner and one digital model obtained from Intra oral scanner. An external examiner measured intermolar width, intercanine width, mesiodistal width of the first and second premolars on both left and right sides using ortho analyser 3shape programs from STL files. The same examiner evaluated the same measurements direct on the dental stone model using digital caliper. Results: The results showed no statistically significant difference between the two tested models, digital models versus stone models. Conclusions: Both intra oral and extra oral scanners were reliable on producing accurate digital model

Abstract

Computer uses in orthodontics are not entirely new. The history of computer applications for orthodontics can be traced back for decades, yet its many advantages may still not be fully realized, especially for orthodontics in Thailand. In authors ’ points of view, a key reason is the lack of fusions of the existing computer know-how and the expertise in orthodontics. This brief survey was intended to present a personal view which brings together the present trends of computer technology and the view of orthodontists who have experienced the needs for the technology, as a step towards an understanding of reflections of computer uses in orthodontics, particularly in Thailand, and the research challenges