Evaluation of the Accuracy of Digital Models Obtained Using Intraoral and Extraoral Scanners versus Gold Standard Plaster Model (Diagnostic Accuracy Study)

Introduction: Digital models showed promising results for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. Digital models can be obtained from alginate impressions as well as direct intra-oral scanners. Studies assessing the accuracy of digital models have shown digital models to be valid, clinically acceptable, and more quickly obtainable. With the advent of new scanners with better scanning technology researches are necessary to evaluate their accuracy and reliability. Aim of Study: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 3D digital models obtained through intraoral and extraoral scanning modalities to the reference gold standard plaster model. Material & Methods: Twenty-four adult male and female subjects were randomly selected for this study. The intraoral scanners evaluated in this study were Sirona (CEREC Omnicam) and 3 shape (TRIOS 3), while the laboratory scanners used were Sirona (inEos X5), and 3 shape (D850). Intra-oral scanning of the subjects and extra-oral scanning of their alginate impressions, plaster models of the alginate impression, rubber base impression, and plaster model of their rubber base impression were done. Linear dental measurements included intermolar width, interpremolar width, intercanine width, mesiodistal width of the 1st permanent molar, 1st premolar, canine and central incisor and arch width. All data were collected, tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis. Results: Small differences between the plaster and digital models were observed. Intra-observer reliability analysis for 14 out of the 16 measurements showed that all variables exhibited good to excellent reliability. Conclusions: There was no difference between the digitization using the intraoral scanner or the laboratory scanner. The most accurate digitization technique was the 3 Shape laboratory scanner of the cast of the alginate impression. The inEos X5 showed the highest error of digitization of the alginate and rubber base impressions.