Comparative evaluation of malocclusions using digital intraoral photography and conventional examination methods: A tele dentistry approach in orthodontics

Abstract

Objective:To analyze the accuracy and duration of oral digital photographs in evaluating malocclusion status and elucidate the feasibility of remote malocclusion diagnosis. Method:Two methods [clinical examinations (CE) combined with the panoramic radiographic assessment, which was conducted as a baseline, and intraoral digital photographs examinations (IDPE), which were taken one month later] were used to evaluate the malocclusion status of 31 college students' volunteers in this onemonth clinical investigation. Malocclusion examinations included: Angel's classification, overjet, overbite, upper arch space relationship, lower arch space relationship, and examination duration.Result: 29 volunteers completed the whole study. The accuracy of Angel's classification, overjet, overbite, and upper and lower arch space relationship between CE and IDPE by digital photographs was 72.4%, 79.3%, 100.0%, 89.3%, and 85.7%, respectively. There were moderate consistencies in Angel's classification and overjet between CE and IDPE (Kappa = 0.46, P < 0.001; Kappa = 0.59, P < 0.001). There were high consistencies in the overbite, upper and lower arch crowding/spacing between CE and IDPE (Kappa = 0.92, P < 0.001; Kappa = 0.69, P < 0.001; Kappa = 0.66, P < 0.001). IDPE duration was less than that of CE (P<0.01). Conclusion:Evaluating malocclusion using digital intraoral photographs seems feasible, and remote malocclusion evaluation deserves further exploration