Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the impact of orthodontic brackets/wires on the accuracy in pa tients’ mouth acquired by an intraoral scanner. Materials and Methods: Dental arch before bracket (C) and after bracket placement (B), and after insertion of orthodontic wire (B&W) were scanned in seven patients. For superimposition of the 3D images between C and B (C/B), C and B&W (C/B&W) and B and B&W (B/B&W), all data were converted into stereolithography file format and explored with 3D analysis software. Mean maximum discrepancy values and mean discrepancy values were collected and investigated after superimposition between two images at different time intervals. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used for statistical analysis. Results: Values at both C/B and C/B&W showed relatively maximum deviation in each patient when compared values at B/B&W. Mean maximum discrepancy value in B/B&W showed the lowest one among three values. Mean discrepancy value in C/B, C/B&W and B/B&W exhibited insignificant differences. Therefore, differences between two images at each interval showed statistically insignificant difference (p<0.01). Conclusions: Although there was variation between patients, effects of orthodontic brackets and orthodontic wire on the 3D images taken by intraoral scanners were clinically insignificant. Digital intraoral scanners can be used with care by replacing impression during orthodontic treatment.