3D palatal superimposition in adolescent orthodontic patients treated without extractions: method validation.

Abstract

<h4>Objectives</h4>This study investigated the morphological stability, trueness and precision of four palatal areas (A: medial 2/3 of third ruga and 5 mm posteriorly; B: A + additional 5 mm posteriorly; C: A + additional 6 mm wide stripe on midpalatal suture; D: almost whole palate) used for 3D superimposition of serial maxillary dental models in growing orthodontic patients treated without extractions.<h4>Materials and methods</h4>A retrospective sample of 25 growing patients with pre- (T0) and post- (T1) treatment 3D dental models was used. Morphological stability was assessed using color-coded distance maps generated from superimposed T0 and T1 models. Trueness was determined by measuring the Mean Absolute Distances (MAD) within Area A between T0 and T1 models after superimposition. Precision was evaluated through the assessment of T0-T1 changes in three preselected teeth.<h4>Results</h4>Treatment and growth modified the palatal surface morphology at the 0.5 mm level. Trueness remained below 0.3 mm in most cases for Areas A, B, and C, with a reduced level observed for Area D. The precision outcome was significantly affected with respect to tooth torque and rotations. Area D showed the best precision, followed by B, C, and A. Area B showed the best agreement to Area C. The overall assessment favored Area B.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Considering overall performance, area B is recommended as the area of choice for superimposing pre-to post-orthodontic treatment maxillary dental models of growing individuals treated without extractions.<h4>Clinical relevance</h4>The suggested palatal superimposition method is broadly applicable and ensures reliable assessment of morphological changes through the superimposition of serial maxillary dental models.