Comparison of reliability and validity of measurements on digital study models made with scann three-dimensional smartphone software and plaster models: In vitro study

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare traditional manual model analysis with a digital caliper with the virtual model analysis of digitalized plaster models. Settings and Study Design: This was a comparative in vitro study. Materials and Methods: Randomly ten plaster models of prosthodontics patients in permanent dentition were analyzed. Manual analyses were performed with a diagnostic digital caliper and smartphone-assisted analysis after digitization of the plaster models using SCANN 3D software. The reliability and efficiency of digital models are to be analyzed by comparing measurements made on plaster and digital cast. Statistical Analysis Used: Difference and standard deviation were used for statistical analysis. Results: By comparing the linear transverse measurements, the data reveal that the mean values of the tooth width from the manual method were larger than the values from the digital method. The standard deviation was significantly high in the first premolar region, in manual method, and high in the second premolar region in digital measurements. With the digital method, the examiner found low values with the digital method. The time needed for the creation of 3D models from photogrammetry software will more and tedious and needs a learning curve. Conclusion: Models created by Scann 3D software with the help of a smartphone appear to be an adequate and reliable alternative to the conventional method of model analysis.