3D Dental Model Measurement System with Measurement Templates: Toward Variable Application

Accurate, standardized dental model measurements remain labor-intensive and difficult to scale in orthodontics. This technical development study aimed to develop and preliminarily evaluate a semiautomated three-dimensional (3D) dental cast measurement system using standardized measurement templates (patent pending). The workflow integrates robotic handling of models, X-ray CT acquisition of volumetric data, optional intraoral-scan polygonal data (e.g., STL), template generation from 3D data, and orthodontist-guided landmark placement, after which dedicated software retrieves 3D coordinates and performs automated measurements and visualization. The system was demonstrated on four standard models scanned by X-ray CT. It produced automated aggregation of measurements and 3D visual outputs, and enabled calculation of conventional indices as well as template-based metrics such as palatal volume and cusp height variation. This semiautomated approach combines mechanical efficiency with expert oversight, providing a standardized alternative to manual measurement and a foundation for broader applications in orthodontic, prosthodontic, and forensic contexts.