HOW RELIABLE IS THE AMOUNT OF INTERPROXIMAL REDUCTION CLINCHECK SOFTWARE RECOMMENDS?

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the reliability of Bolton analysis results obtained with ClinCheck software and the interproximal reduction (IPR) ratios the software recommends. Materials Methods: From the Invisalign® clear aligner system database, 120 individuals were divided into three groups according to Angle classification: dental class I (n=43), dental class II (n=49), and dental class III (n=28) malocclusions. The Bolton analysis data and the IPR amounts determined by Align Technology’s digital treatment planning interface, ClinCheck, were evaluated separately for the maxilla and mandible for each individual. A discrepancy was defined as the condition in which the Bolton ratio the software determined and the suggested IPR amount for the anterior ratio and the overall ratio exceeded 2 mm. The average anterior Bolton ratio and suggested anterior Bolton ratio, along with the total Bolton ratio and suggested total Bolton ratio for all individuals, were compared using Cronbach’s alpha. Results: It was determined that the average suggested anterior Bolton ratio for individuals with class I malocclusion was higher than that for individuals with other malocclusions (p=0.008). Cronbach’s alpha for the anterior Bolton ratio and the suggested anterior Bolton ratio was 0.131 whereas the overall ratio and the suggested overall Bolton ratio value were determined to be 0.41. Both values are defined as indicating weak reliability. Conclusion: A weak reliability relationship was detected between the Bolton values obtained with the ClinCheck software and the IPR suggestions provided in treatment planning.