Trueness of full-arch IO scans estimated based on 3D translational and rotational deviations of single teeth—an in vitro study

OBJECTIVES: To three-dimensionally evaluate deviations of full-arch intraoral (IO) scans from reference desktop scans in terms of translations and rotations of individual teeth and different types of (mal)occlusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three resin model pairs reflecting different tooth (mal)positions were mounted in the phantom head of a dental simulation unit and scanned by three dentists and three non-graduate investigators using a confocal laser IO scanner (Trios 3®). The tooth-crown surfaces of the IO scans and reference scans were superimposed by means of best-fit alignment. A novel method comprising the measurement of individual tooth positions was used to determine the deviations of each tooth in the six degrees of freedom, i.e., in terms of 3D translation and rotation. Deviations between IO and reference scans, among tooth-(mal)position models, and between dentists and non-graduate investigators were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models. RESULTS: The overall translational deviations of individual teeth on the IO scans were 76, 32, and 58 µm in the lingual, mesial, and intrusive directions, respectively, resulting in a total displacement of 114 µm. Corresponding rotational deviations were 0.58° buccal tipping, 0.04° mesial tipping, and 0.14° distorotation leading to a combined rotation of 0.78°. These deviations were the smallest for the dental arches with anterior crowding, followed by those with spacing and those with good alignment (p < 0.05). Results were independent of the operator’s level of education. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to reference desktop scans, individual teeth on full-arch IO scans showed high trueness with total translational and rotational deviations < 115 µm and < 0.80°, respectively. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Available confocal laser IO scanners appear sufficiently accurate for diagnostic and therapeutic orthodontic applications. Results indicate that full-arch IO scanning can be delegated to non-graduate dental staff members.