ABSTRACT Introduction In orthodontics, intraoral scanners are promising tools that could replace the manual analysis of plaster models and digital calipers, but their effectiveness in Bolton's and Pont's orthodontic analysis remains uncertain. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the reliability and reproducibility of digital impressions using an intraoral scanner and digital analysis by CS Model+ software. Methods This cross-sectional study had a convenience sample of 41 participants. Plaster models were obtained of the upper and lower dental arches of selected patients. Maxillary and mandibular dental casts were scanned using an intraoral 3D scanner (Carestream CS3600, Carestream Dental, Atlanta, GA, USA). Three oral radiologists analyzed conventional (plaster) and digital models using the Bolton and the Pont methods, by comparing manual measurements with CS Model+ software analysis. Statistical analysis included intraclass correlation (ICC) to assess reliability among examiners, examiner means, and software. Measurement error was evaluated using Bland-Altman analysis, standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimum detectable change. Results Forty-one patients (M:F=23:18) with a mean age of 15.4 years (12 to 25) were assessed for reliability. The examiners’ inter-rater ICC value was 0.999 for Pont and 1.000 for Bolton analyses, with near-perfect correlation. Examiners’ (manual measurements) and software inter-rater ICC values for Pont and Bolton assessments ranged (0.9620-0.936 and 0.994-0.991, respectively). SEM for interreader reliability was 2.1mm for Bolton ratio of 6 (B6R), 1.1mm for Bolton ratio of 12 (B12R), and 0.2mm for Pont upper incisors (PII). Conclusion This study confirms that digital models are reliable tools for orthodontic analysis, specifically for assessing Pont and Bolton indexes. The reported measurement imprecision values are crucial benchmarks for accurately interpreting quantitative software in future clinical applications. These findings underscore the potential of digital technologies to enhance precision and reliability in orthodontics, paving the way for improved patient care and treatment outcomes.
Carvalho et al. (Mon,) studied this question.