Usability of free software used for visualization and measurement of digital orthodontic models

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usability of the free software available that allow visualization and measurement of orthodontic digital models. 80 graduate students of orthodontics were asked to perform pre-defined tasks in a digital model through 3D Viewer ® and 3D-Tool ® software. The success in accomplishing the tasks and the time spent were recorded. To end, each participant answered a questionnaire to express their satisfaction regarding the software. There were no statistically significant difference between the software when compared to the accomplishment rates of tasks and the time spent by participants on each one. The software were evaluated as "slightly satisfactory" in several criteria. There is scope for optimization of orthodontic software by manufacturers since lack of their interface usability can discourage orthodontists’ adherence to new resources that could provide benefits to their daily routine, even if they are freely available.

Comparative study of the usability of two software programs for visualization and analysis of digital orthodontic models

Background. Software programs for visualization and analysis of digital orthodontic models, apart from presenting the necessary features for diagnosis and treatment planning, also need to be user-friendly. This characteristic refers to software’ usability, a measure that evaluates how easy it is to use it is by a specific group of professionals. The aim of this study was to compare the usability of free available versions of two software programs for visualization and analysis of digital orthodontic models. Methods. Digimodel® and OrthoCAD® usability were evaluated through their interface analysis and executing the following procedures: malocclusion classification and models analysis (arch-length and tooth-size discrepancies). Results. Digimodel® and OrthoCAD® software programs had an installer only for Windows platform, occupied less than 110 megabytes of virtual space and only read files from their respective manufacturers. None possessed Portuguese as a language option. Both allowed visualization of the models in different axes through options present in initial screen, at a click. For model analysis, both software programs required to measure tooth to tooth and performed necessary calculations automatically. However, OrthoCAD® software program was less intuitive because the option for these actions was among several others, within menus, which could cause confusion during navigation. In addition, the marking of points did not always obey the clicked site. Conclusion. The free access version of the evaluated software programs exhibited usability limitations related to language, supported file format and even the model analysis execution for orthodontic diagnosis. Although OrthoCAD® was inferior, both did not meet orthodontists’ clinical demand against these factors in the evaluated versions.

Dental Arch Dimensions in Saudi Adults

Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate the arch dimensions (width, length, and depth) in Saudi Arabia.Materials and Methods. 169 orthodontic models (73 males and 96 females) made of white stone were selected according to inclusion criteria. Measurement of arch dimensions was taken including width, length, and depth at different reference points. Differences between males and females were tested using independent samplest-test.Results. The sample comprised subjects aged 18–33 years old. Most measurements showed higher values for males compared to females. Saudi males showed smaller intercanine widths compared to Caucasians and Southern Chinese but larger widths in females compared to Caucasians and smaller widths compared to Southern Chinese. Saudi males and females showed larger intermolar widths compared to Caucasians but smaller intermolar widths compared to Southern Chinese. For arch length, Saudis showed longer arches compared to Yemenis for both males and females but smaller palatal depths compared to Yemenis.Conclusions. Differences in intercanine width, intermolar width, and palatal length and depth were found between Saudis and other nationalities. Male and female participants had differences in most of the measurements.

Effects of Combined Bonded Maxillary Expansion and Face Mask on Dental Arch Length in Patients with Skeletal Class III Malocclusions

Objective: To evaluate the effects of combined rapid maxillary expansion (RME) and face mask (FM) therapy during the mixed dentition period on the dental arch length in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion. Study Design: We evaluated pre- and post-treatment orthodontic models of 52 patients (25 girls, 27 boys) aged 8–12 years with skeletal Class III malocclusion(ANB<0) accompanied by maxillary transverse deficiency and retrognatism treated by bonded RME-FM therapy for a mean duration of 8 months. Palatal rugae, the cusp tips of permanent first molars, deciduous molars/permanent premolars, deciduous canines and the incisal edges of permanent central incisors were marked on orthodontic models, which were then photocopied. Inter-molar, inter-premolar and inter-canine widths; the arch length; the arch depth and molar and incisor sagittal movements were measured on these photocopies. Statistical comparisons were made using paired t-tests. Results: Inter-molar, inter-premolar and inter-canine widths and the arch length showed significant increases after treatment, while the arch depth showed a significant decrease (p<0.001 for all). Conclusions: With the study limitations, our results suggest that combined RME-FM therapy increases the arch length in the mixed dentition of patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion.