Three-dimensional evaluation of mandibular anterior dental crowding in digital dental casts

Developing a three-dimensional statistical shape model of normal dentition using an automated algorithm and normal samples

OBJECTIVES

The statistical shape model (SSM) is a model of geometric properties of a set of shapes based on statistical shape analysis. The SSM develops an average model of several objects using an automated algorithm that excludes the operator's subjectivity. The aim of this study was to develop a three-dimensional (3D) SSM of normal dentition to provide virtual templates for efficient treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Dental casts were obtained from participants with normal dentition. After acquiring the 3D models, the SSMs of the individual teeth and whole dental arch were generated by an iterative closest point (ICP)-based rigid registration and point correspondences, respectively. Then, the individual tooth SSM was aligned to the whole dental arch SSM using ICP-based registration to generate an average model of normal dentition.

RESULTS

The generated 3D SSM showed specific morphological features of normal dentition similar to those previously reported. Moreover, on measuring the arch dimensions, all values in this study were similar to those previously reported using normal dentition.

CONCLUSIONS

The 3D SSM of normal dentition may increase the diagnostic efficiency of orthodontic treatments by providing a visual objective. It can be also used as a 3D template in various fields of dentistry.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Our SSM of normal dentition provides both quantitative and qualitative information on the 3D morphology of teeth and dental arches, which may provide valuable information on 3D virtual-setup, bracket fabrication, and aligner treatment.

The accuracy of gypsum casts obtained from the disinfected extended-pour alginate impressions through prolonged storage times

Background

Manufacturers of the extended-pour alginates claimed their dimensional stability through prolonged storage. No data confirmed the ability of these materials to maintain their dimensions and the reproduced oral details following their chemical disinfection. Therefore, this study evaluated the dimensional stability and surface detail reproduction of gypsum casts obtained from disinfected extended-pour alginate impressions through different storage time intervals.

Methods

Two hundred and forty three hydrocolloid impressions were made from one conventional (Tropicalgin) and two extended-pour (Hydrogum 5 and Chromaprint premium) alginates. These impressions were subjected to none, spray and immersion disinfection before their storage in 100% humidity for 0, 72 and 120 h. The dimensional stability and the surface detail reproduction were indirectly evaluated under low angle illumination on the resulted gypsum casts. At α = 0.05, the parametric dimensional stability data were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA and Tukey’s comparisons, while the nonparametric detail reproduction data were analyzed using KrusKal Wallis and Mann–Whitney's tests.

Results

All gypsum casts exhibited a degree of expansion; however, the recorded expansion values did not differ between test categories (P > 0.05). Generally, casts obtained from spray-disinfected impressions showed lower detail accuracy (P < 0.05). Immersion-disinfected extended-pour alginates produced casts with better detail accuracy following 120 h of storage (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

All alginates materials offer comparable cast dimensions under different testing circumstances. Extended-pour alginates offer casts with superior surface details following their immersion disinfection and 120 h of storage. Spray-disinfection using 5.25% sodium hypochlorite affects the surface details of casts obtained from conventional and extended-pour alginates adversely.