COMPARISON OF PALATAL VAULT DEPTH ON PLASTER VERSUS DIGITAL MODELS

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the palatal vault depth on the digital scanned models versus plaster models.

Methodology: In this Cross-sectional comparative study, thirty plaster models were selected for recording measurements. Palatal depth was recorded manually on plaster models with digital calipers and the same measurements were repeated on their scanned digital versions obtained with Carestream Scan Flow, using distance measuring tool. Two examiners independently recorded the measurements.

Results: The difference between the manual and digital methods was statistically insignificant (p=.074), for palatal vault depth measurement at the molar region. Although statistically significant (p=.001), palatal vault depth difference between the two methods, at the inter canine area was of small magnitude to have any clinical significance. Inter observer and intra observer reliability was reasonably good (r>.75). The gender wise differences between the all the measurements were insignificant. For palatal vault depth on digital models at the intermolar region the difference was insignificant (p= .83) and similarly on plaster models, palatal vault depth at the intermolar region was also statistically insignificant (p= .92).

Conclusion: The reliability and reproducibility of digital models was good enough to provide a satisfactory alternate for plaster models in recording measurements like palatal vault depth in clinical settings.