Maxillary Crowding and Spacing: Validation of an Artificial Intelligence Model vs. Digitally-Assisted Human Observer

Abstract PurposeThe aim of this study was to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) model capable of quantifying crowding and spacing in the upper arch and to validate its accuracy by comparing the model’s results with those of human observers.Materials and MethodsThis study included upper intraoral photographs and occlusal scans of orthodontic patients treated at the University of Sharjah (2022–2024). The YOLO (You Only Look Once) 8 Pose Model was generated using a training and validation dataset (832 images). The AI model performed tooth segmentation and tooth point detection on occlusal images, followed by automated quantification of tooth size arch length discrepancy (TSALD). Manual space analysis was conducted using OrthoCAD software and the data was compared with the results of the AI model using a testing dataset (300 images). TSALD was categorized based on the index of treatment complexity, outcome, and need (ICON). Qualitative data were presented as frequency and distribution, and comparisons were performed by using Fisher’s Exact test. Correlation between Manual and AI-measured TSALD was evaluated using Pearsons’s correlation coefficient.ResultsThe model achieved an overall accuracy of 90%. The largest discrepancies were found in mild crowding (< 2 mm, 7%), severe spacing (5.1–9 mm, 5%), and moderate spacing (2.1–5 mm, 3.3%). A strong correlation (> 0.92) between manual and AI TSALD measurements indicated high reliability and potential interchangeability.ConclusionsThe AI model was successfully developed and validated, achieving 90% accuracy, demonstrating its potential as a reliable tool for quantifying TSALD in orthodontic diagnostics.