Testing the Predictability of Digital Setups

Objectives: To evaluate the reliability of digital setups and test their predictability in terms of ABO scoring by comparing to plaster models of final cases.
Methods: Final models and digital setups made from the corresponding initial casts of 10 cases (4 extraction and 6 non-extraction) were used. The initial and final models were scanned using the iTero scanner, while the digital setups were fabricated based on the initial models using ARCAD Labs software. Evaluation of the models of the digital setups and final models was performed using the American Board of Orthodontics cast grading score including alignment, marginal ridges, buccolingual inclination, overjet, occlusal contacts, occlusal relationship, and interproximal contacts.
Results: We found statistically significant high positive correlation (p < 0.001) between the final models and digital setups in overall ABO scores, alignment, marginal ridges, overjet, occlusal contacts, occlusal relationship, and interproximal contacts. The only non-significant correlation was in the buccolingual inclination. In the extraction cases there was statistically significant high positive correlation in all variables. However, in the non-extraction grouping, there was only statistically significant high positive correlation in overall ABO scores, alignment, and marginal ridges scores.
Conclusions: Based on these findings, it can be inferred that digital setups are predictive for overall ABO scores that can be reliably reproduced in orthodontic treatments especially in extraction cases.