Development and assessment of a prototype of an interproximal image receptor-holding device for use in paediatric dentistry

To develop and test a prototype for interproximal radiography positioning intended for paediatric dentistry and compare the technical quality of image receptor-holding devices (IRHDs) commonly used in clinical practice. Six prototypes, with 3 wedge dimensions (0.5, 1, and 2 mm, respectively) in upper and lower positions on the bitewing surface were compared regarding their capacity to acquire interproximal radiographs without overlapping surfaces with other IRHDs: RinnXCP, Hawe Kerr, and Cone Indicator. Fifteen graduate students obtained images of deciduous molars in a child's skull and mandible. The chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were employed to analyse significant differences in the number of repetitions and failures in obtaining correct images. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) assessed the difference between the mean times required for image acquisition according to each IRHD, adopting a significance level of 5%. The effectiveness of the tested devices, evaluated by the number of correct and incorrect acquisitions using Fisher's exact test, revealed a P-value of .057. The ANOVA demonstrated statistically significant differences in the mean acquisition times (P < .0000). The upper and lower wedge prototypes 2 mm performed better in acquiring only 1 radiograph (76.7%) and took less time to execute the technique (1.17 and 1.12 min, respectively). The prototypes showed comparable performance to alternative IRHDs but provided advantages in time efficiency and radiation exposure.