Enhancing the diagnosis of maxillary transverse discrepancy through 3-D technology and surface-to-surface superimposition. Description of the digital workflow with a documented case report

Authors

  • A Lo Giudice Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Catania, Policlinico Universitario "Vittorio Emanuele", Catania
  • R Nucera Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Section of Orthodontics, University of Messina, Policlinico Universitario "G. Martino," Messina
  • V Ronsivalle Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Catania, Policlinico Universitario "Vittorio Emanuele", Catania
  • C Di Grazia Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Catania, Policlinico Universitario "Vittorio Emanuele", Catania
  • M Rugeri Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Catania, Policlinico Universitario "Vittorio Emanuele", Catania
  • V Quinzi Post-Graduate School of Orthodontics, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23804/ejpd.2020.21.03.11

Keywords:

Digital work-flow, Maxillary transverse discrepancy, Surface-to-surface superimposition, 3-D technology

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Maxillary transverse discrepancy is often diagnosed in childhood. The evaluation of morphological characteristics of the maxilla is crucial for appropriate treatment of this condition, however conventional diagnostic method is based on visual inspection and transversal linear parameters. In this paper, we described a user-friendly diagnostic digital workflow based on the surface-to-surface analysis. We also described a case report. CASE REPORT: A 6-year-old female patient presenting mild transversal maxillary deficiency associated with functional posterior crossbite was treated by using maxillary removable appliance. In this respect, the appliance was designed in accordance to the morphological characteristics of the maxilla obtained by using the diagnostic digital work-flow and the maxillary surface-to-surface analysis. CONCLUSION: The present user-friendly diagnostic digital workflow based on surface-to-surface analysis helps clinicians to detect specific morphological characteristics of the maxilla, such as shape and area of asymmetry, in order to reach a comprehensive diagnosis and choose the correct biomechanics for treating the condition.