Novel Digital Technique to Analyze the Influence of the Operator Experience on the Accuracy of the Orthodontic Micro-Screws Placement

Abstract

To analyze the influence of the operator experience on the accuracy of orthodontic self-tapping micro-screws placement, a total of 60 orthodontic self-tapping micro-screws were randomly distributed into two study groups: Group A. Orthodontic micro-screws placement by an orthodontist with 10 years of experience (n = 30); and B. Orthodontic micro-screws placement by an orthodontist student without experience (n = 30). Cone-beam computed tomography scans and intraoral scans were performed before and after the orthodontic self-tapping micro-screws placement and uploaded in 3D implant-planning software to analyze the deviation angle and the horizontal deviation measured at the coronal entry point and apical endpoint between orthodontic micro-screws planned and performed. In addition, intraoperative complications such as root perforations after orthodontic self-tapping micro-screws placement and fracture of the orthodontic self-tapping micro-screws during their placement were also analyzed. The paired t-test revealed statistically significant differences at the apical endpoint (p = 0.004) of planned and performed orthodontic self-tapping micro-screws between the orthodontist with 10 years of experience and the orthodontist student without experience. However, the paired t-test revealed no statistically significant differences at the coronal entry point (p = 0.220) and angular deviations (p = 0.602) of planned and performed orthodontic self-tapping micro-screws between the orthodontist with 10 years of experience and the orthodontic student without experience. Furthermore, five root perforations were observed in the no experience study group and three orthodontic self-tapping micro-screws were fractured in each study group. In conclusion, the results show that the greater experience of the operator influences the accuracy of orthodontic micro-screws placement, resulting in less intraoperative complications.