The Effect of Digital Diagnostic Setups on Orthodontic Treatment Planning

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of viewing digital setups on orthodontic treatment planning. Six cases were identified from the UW Graduate Clinic to represent different case types that could benefit from a diagnostic setup. The cases included adolescent and adult patients with a variety of conditions, such as missing teeth, dental crowding, or subdivisions. Twenty-two orthodontists and seven orthodontic residents treatment planned each case, indicating their most recommended plan and up to two alternative plans. After treatment planning each case, digital setups of each treatment plan indicated by the practitioner were viewed. After viewing the setup(s) for each case, practitioners were asked if they still recommended the same plan as they had originally, or if they would now choose a different plan. Their confidence levels in the success of their plans were recorded before and after viewing the setups. After viewing the digital setups, 23.6% of treatment plans changed, with changes that included adding or removing IPR, change in extraction pattern, or change in the management of missing teeth. In addition, practitioner confidence level increased after viewing the setups. While initial confidence levels were lower for a) complex cases, b) cases where the treatment plan changed, and c) orthodontic residents, the final confidence levels were uniformly high among all practitioners. The most helpful features of digital setups were the abilities to: superimpose the setup with the original model, determine the amount of tooth movement needed, check the final incisal relationship (overjet and overbite), and establish the IPR amount required. Digital setups can influence treatment plans and the level of confidence the practitioner has in the plan. Setups can be helpful when deciding on the most recommended treatment plan prior to starting treatment