A Novel Method for Transferring Ideal Incisor Position from Cephalometric Analysis to Virtual Set-Up

Introduction. This scientific contribution aims to describe a new methodology to improve diagnosis and treatment planning in daily orthodontic practice.

Methods. The proposed methodology is described by reporting a series of cases that were assessed before treatment according to the standardized digital workflow reported below. Cephalometric analyses of the included cases were performed using the “WebCeph” platform (Software Version: 1.5.0, Assemble Circle Corp., Republic of Korea), and the buccolingual inclinations of the upper incisors were assessed. Using individualized templates, the ideal position and inclination of the upper incisors were determined on the cephalometric tracing, and linear and angular differences of the incisors were measured and compared to pre-treatment values. A virtual set-up of the case was generated with a 3Shape Ortho System 2022 (3Shape, Copenhagen K, Denmark). As the first step of the virtual set-up, the positions and inclinations of the upper incisors were adjusted according to the cephalometric differences previously evaluated. Subsequently, the final set-up was defined according to the planned position of the central incisors.

Results. For the first time in the orthodontic literature, this new method describes the following workflow: planning the position of the upper incisors with respect to the cranial base structures, transferring this position to the virtual set-up, and obtaining a set-up that realistically shows the real orthodontic movements in the anteroposterior direction. This method clearly and immediately defines the ideal anchorage management, thereby facilitating the ideal biomechanical case management.

Conclusions. This article outlines an original method that combines patient data derived from cephalometric analysis with data obtained from study model analysis. This combination is used to identify the ideal position and buccolingual inclination of the upper incisors on cephalometric tracing and to transfer this position to an ideal orthodontic virtual set-up.