Determination of Labiopalatal Angulation of Maxillary Anterior Teeth Using Manual Method and Digital Methods: A Comparative Study.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate labiopalatal angulation of maxillary anterior teeth using Custom-made jig, Profile projector, and ImageJ computer software methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subjects for this study were selected in the age-group of 20-30 years having permanent dentition, including 2nd molars and bilateral Angle's class 1 molar and canine relationship. Recording the labiopalatal angulation in proximal view was carried out by using one manual method and two digital methods namely using Custom-made jig, Profile projector, and ImageJ computer software, respectively. Alginate impressions were made for the subjects, and the spatial relationship of the maxilla to the cranium was recorded using a facebow. The casts were mounted in a semi-adjustable articulator, and the articulated mounted casts with the mounting ring were transferred to the Custom-made jig, and angulations were measured in proximal view. Digital methods of measurement were recorded by using Profile projector and ImageJ computer software methods. Data were tabulated and statistically analyzed.

RESULTS: In males, the mean labiopalatal angulation of maxillary right and left maxillary canines of Custom-made jig was 91.94 ± 1.47 and 91.70 ± 1.68, in Profile projector method 87.41 ± 3.75 and 87.58 ± 3.79, and in ImageJ computer software 84.23 ± 5.72 and 83.29 ± 6.74, respectively. In females, Custom-made jig was 91.82 ± 1.55 and 92.17 ± 1.84, in Profile projector method 86.70 ± 5.58 and 86.94 ± 5.57, and in ImageJ computer software 82.76 ± 6.34 and 83.05 ± 6.12, respectively. There was a very high statistically significant difference found between different methods.

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the values obtained in the digital methods (i.e., both the Profile projector and ImageJ computer software) were more accurate than the manual method. However, the ImageJ computer software was most reliable in comparison with the values obtained in Profile projector.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The labiopalatal angulation of anterior teeth will act as a guideline in re-establishing the correct angulations and the anatomic contours of the maxillary arch to achieve the desired esthetics that provide adequate lip support and to restore the required functions.