A novel method of photogrammetry measurements of study models in orthodontics

Introduction/Objective. Rapid developments in information technologies lead to the wider use of digital representations of dental study models in orthodontics. Most popular way of digitizing the models is to use a 3D scanner and then perform measurements on 3D models, which requires additional and expensive hardware and software resources. In this paper we present an alternative approach based on the use of photogrammetry in the newly developed OrthoPhoto4D software that calculates and corrects perspective distortion errors. Methods. We measured individual tooth width for 24 teeth, 12 two-teeth segments as well as inter-molar and inter-canine distances on 50 models. Measurements are performed in OrthoPhoto4D software that uses four photographs of each model for measurements, uses QR codes for automation, calculates the camera position and corrects perspective distortion-caused errors in measurements. Obtained measurements are compared to ones obtained from models generated by structured light 3D scanner. Results. Statistical analysis strongly indicates that there is no significant difference between the two methods. The recorded differences also have no clinical impact as they have mean values of 0.2 mm for individual tooth widths, approximately 0.2 mm for two teeth segments, and under 0.3 mm for both intercanine and inter-molar distances. All recorded differences fall within the expected measurement error. Conclusion. We concluded that the described photogrammetry measurements performed in OrthoPhoto4D can be used in diagnosis and therapy planning