An evaluation of the use of digital study models in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning.

The purpose of the present study was to determine the diagnostic and treatment planning value of digital models when compared with plaster study casts. In addition, the level of orthodontic experience of the examiner was assessed to determine whether this would have an influence on the decision-making process. Thirty randomly selected orthodontic patients from the Department of Orthodontics at the University of Alabama were selected for the study. From the 30 record sets, seven were selected attempting to mirror cases required for presentation to the American Board of Orthodontics. The seven evaluators were divided into two groups on the basis of their level of orthodontic experience. Initially, each evaluator assessed each patient record. Each evaluator was given a standardized questionnaire which recorded the evaluator's diagnosis based on use of the digital study models (T1). Regardless of whether the evaluator requested a review of the plaster study casts, the evaluator was given the plaster study casts. The evaluator then, using the plaster casts, filled out another identical questionnaire (T2). A chi-square test was used to determine any group differences in the frequency of changed diagnostic characteristics, treatment mechanical procedures, or proposed treatment plans after evaluating plaster study models. The statistical significance selected was P = .05 level of significance. The results showed that 12.8% of diagnostic characteristics, 12% of treatment mechanic procedures, and 6% of proposed treatment plans changed after T2. The results of the present study indicate that in the vast majority of situations digital models can be successfully used for orthodontic records.