Researchers from Brazil evaluating the reliability of digital orthodontic setup technology found that these setups are as effective and accurate as manual setups and constitute a reliable tool for diagnosing and treatment planning in orthodontic treatment.

The researchers compared digital orthodontic setup technology with manual setups and models cast at the end of orthodontic treatment. Initial models, manual setups, and final models of 20 patients were used in the study. The initial and final models, as well as the manual setups, were scanned using a 3Shape R-700 scanner. The digital setups were based on the initial models using 3Shape OrthoAnalyzer software.

Evaluation of all the models was performed using the linear measurements of intercanine widths, intermolar widths, and the length of the upper and lower dental arches.

The results showed that none of the measurements assessed through the manual setup, digital setup, and final models showed significant differences (P > .05).

 The findings appear in The Angle Orthodontist.