Abstract:

Introduction . The purpose of this study was to evaluate correlation of a comprehensive cast analysis between plaster and e models(TM) digital models. Methods . On 49 corresponding plaster and digital study models, a single examiner measured tooth width, arch width, overbite, overjet, dental midline, space available, space required, curve of Spee, crowding, and Bolton discrepancy. 10 pairs were remeasured to test reproducibility. Results . Only arch width measurements had acceptable correlation. Differences for other measurements and crowding were clinically acceptable. Bolton discrepancies did not correlate. Differences in overall Bolton discrepancies were clinically insignificant, although differences in anterior Bolton discrepancies were occasionally clinically significant (6.1%). Intraexaminer reliability was mostly fair to excellent. For plaster models, Bolton discrepancies had poor reliability. For digital models, overjet and overall Bolton discrepancies had poor reliability. Differences were clinically insignificant. Conclusions . Digital models are an appropriate alternative for comprehensive cast analysis, with the possible exception of anterior Bolton discrepancies.