Dental arch monitoring by splines fitting error during orthodontic treatment using 3D digital models

Abstract

Backrgound/Aim. Researchers in the field of dentistry have been conducting research into modelling and defining dental arches equitations. Nowadays, when 3D digital modelling is commonly utilized in dentistry, the approach to modelling, analysis and synthesis has changed. Clinical researches are related to aesthetic and functional analysis. The aim of this study was to increase repeatability and accuracy of defining and determining the coordinate system of the jaw as well as to defining mathematical criteria for monitoring and evaluating orthodontic treatment. Methods. In this study, we used the plaster models of the jaw, optical scanner with structured light, 3D digital models, computer aided design (CAD) engineering tools adjusting the coordinate system, spline fitting of 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th degrees. Results. Splines of 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th degrees were fitted from the initial state (K0) in all 10 successive controls (K1, K2, K3,…, K10). All splines were fitted through 12 points, from the right to the left side of the jaw: 6-5-4-3-2-1-1-2-3-4-5-6. Tabular and graphic presentations of the maximum and average deviation of dental arch fitting curves in successive controls were given. Conclusion. The parameters of the maximum and average errors of fitting curves converge the dental arch values that are lower than the accuracy of the used optical scanners. The average error of fitting provides a general picture of the entire dental arch at each stage of treatment. Maximum error fitting points at a specified tooth where the largest deviation.