Orthodontists' Perception Thresholds for Tooth Movement Detection in <scp>3D</scp> Digitally Simulated Models: A Cross‐Sectional Observational Study

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to quantify the minimum perceptible degrees of rotation, buccolingual inclination (torque), and mesiodistal angulation (tip) of anterior teeth. METHODS: Six digital models were scanned, segmented, and manipulated in ArchForm. Controlled movements were applied to maxillary and mandibular incisors and canines, including buccolingual inclination (3°, 6°, 10°, 13°), mesiodistal angulation (5°, 10°, 15°, 20°), and rotation (5°, 10°, 15°, 20°). Orthodontists evaluated paired original and manipulated images and identified the type of movement perceived. RESULTS: Orthodontists demonstrated high perceptual sensitivity across all simulated movements. Rotational discrepancies of 5° were correctly identified by 65%-92% of evaluators, with accuracy increasing progressively. Tip showed consistently strong detection even at 5° (75%-88%), reaching over 90% at 20°. Torque yielded lower accuracy at 3° (57%-74%), but surpassed 70% at 6° and exceeded 80%-90% for 10° and 13°. CONCLUSIONS: Detection accuracy varied according to tooth type, with maxillary central incisors exhibiting the highest detection rates and canines showing greater variability at lower magnitudes. Rotational and tip discrepancies were consistently identified at 5° or greater, whereas torque showed lower detection at 3°. These findings establish quantitative perceptual thresholds for angular deviations in anterior teeth, values relevant to optimal esthetic outcomes.