Precision of dental measurements on stone and digital models derived from CBCT and desktop scanning researcher

Abstract Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the precision of dental measurements on stone and digital models derived from CBCT and extraoral desktop scanning. Materials and methods: Twenty-two pairs of pretreatment models (upper and lower) were scanned using a Medit T310 desktop scanner. The same models were also scanned using a Planmeca ProMax 3D Classic CBCT scanner. DICOM files were converted into Standard Tessellation Language format using the scanner’s proprietary software. All Standard Tessellation Language files obtained from both scanning methods were imported into Maestro 3D software for analysis. Measurements from plaster study models were compared with those from digital models. Statistical evaluations included the intraclass correlation coefficient, Bland–Altman analysis, multivariate analysis of variance, and post-hoc Tukey’s test. Results: High intraclass correlation coefficient values were observed for both CBCT and desktop scanners. Bland–Altman plots showed insignificant differences in mean values between methods. Multivariate analysis of variance revealed no statistically significant differences in mesiodistal tooth dimensions or arch-width measurements across the three model types. Conclusion: Digital models derived from desktop and CBCT scanning appear to be accurate and precise for dental measurements and may effectively replace conventional stone models.