Reliability and Accuracy of a Novel Photogrammetric Orthodontic Monitoring System
Purpose: This study quantitatively investigated the reliability and accuracy of Dental Monitoring’sTM proprietary orthodontic tracking system in comparison to an established reference. Materials and Methods: Intraoral scans (True Definition Scanner, 3MTM) and video scans (iPhone 7, AppleTM) were taken of 30 subjects undergoing comprehensive orthodontic treatment at Loma Linda University’s Graduate Orthodontic Clinic at T1 (initial) and T2 (3 months later). At each time point, an intraoral scan was taken by the operator followed by three video scans- two taken by the patient and one by the operator. Three linear and three angular measurements were analyzed using Dental Monitoring’sTM tracking system for all comparisons. Accuracy was determined by comparing orthodontic movement tracked by Dental Monitoring’sTM video scans against those measured via superimposition of STL files generated from the reference scanner using Friedman’s analysis (=.05). Intra-operator and inter-operator variability were evaluated and expressed as the intraclass correlation coefficient. Results: Surface tolerance analysis demonstrated a maximum mean global error of 100 microns associated with the reference scanner. No statistically significant differences were observed between the reference and Dental Monitoring’sTM system for the three linear parameters (p > .05); angular parameters showed statistically significant differences (p < .001). No statistically significant differences were observed when comparing upper vs lower or anterior vs posterior dentition (p > .05). First molar teeth showed statistically significantly greater deviation than central incisors or canines (p < .05). Excellent correlations were observed (ICC >.90) between sequential video scans taken by study participants and between video scans taken by the operator compared to those taken by study participants. Conclusions: The study demonstrated a high level of accuracy when comparing movements tracked by Dental MonitoringTM system against those of the reference scanner. No macro-level differences were detected in the accuracy of the proprietary system when comparing upper vs lower arches or anterior vs posterior sextants. Micro-level differences were noted as the study found greater deviation associated with first molars as compared to central incisors and canines; despite being deemed clinically insignificant. The proprietary system exhibited high levels of both intra-user and inter-user reliability.
Dentistry, Medicine and Health Sciences, Orthodontics and Orthodontology, Orthodontics -- Methods; Photogrammetry, Dental Monitoring; Orthodontic Tracking Systems; Intraoral Scans
Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations