Accuracy of Orthodontic Soft Tissue Prediction Software between Different Ethnicities

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of the soft tissue prediction module of Dolphin Imaging Software (DIS) in patients requiring extractions as part of the orthodontic treatment plan and compare its accuracy between different ethnicities. Materials and Methods: Initial and final records of 57 patients from three ethnic groups (African Americans, Caucasians, and Hispanics) who completed orthodontic treatment were included for assessment. The identified cases were managed non-surgically with dental extractions. A predictive profile was generated using DIS and compared to post-treatment lateral photographs. Actual and predictive profile photographs were compared using five designated parameters. The assessment parameters were evaluated using a manual protractor. ANOVA was used to compare differences between actual and predicted parameters between the specified groups and ICC was used to assess correlations between the data. Results: Neither ethnicity nor gender had a significant effect on the difference between predicted and final values. No significant difference was noted between the predicted and final images for the nasolabial angle. Significant differences were observed for the mentolabial fold, upper lip to E-line, and lower lip to E-line between predicted and actual images. Additionally, soft tissue convexity was significantly different (p=0.019). Additionally, a clinically significant difference was found for the mentolabial fold. Conclusion: Ethnicity and gender had no impact on the accuracy of predicted and actual image parameters. Overall, DIS demonstrated acceptable accuracy when simulating soft tissue changes after extraction therapy. Additional research on the accuracy of the software is warranted.