How to Obtain an Orthodontic Virtual Patient through Superimposition of Three-Dimensional Data: A Systematic Review

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

I would like to congratulate the authors on their work. The authors reviewed the literature to summarize the current evidence in connection with the superimposition of three-dimensional datasets in the orthodontic patient. Creating a virtual patient by integrating datasets of the facial skeleton, facial soft tissue, and dentition facilitates the communication between colleagues in case of a multidisciplinary approach to orthodontic treatment, the dental technician, and the patient. The virtual patient may be an essential tool in presenting the orthodontic anomaly and expected treatment outcomes to the patient. The three-dimensional planning allows the CAD CAM production of surgical splints and clear aligners. Of these datasets previously mentioned only computed tomography (CT) involves harmful radiation. However, in most cases instead of conventional CT, a  cone-beam CT is carried out which is becoming a standard in orthodontic imaging because of its lower radiation dose and high isotropic resolution.

 I suggest rephrasing rows 60-64, because dental lab scanners obtain three-dimensional datasets by scanning the cast or the impression, therefore dimensional changes of the impression material will affect their accuracy. I recommend adding that according to the literature the accuracy of intraoral scanners may be inadequate when scanning the full dentition.

In row 126, row 156, row 167, and throughout the manuscript I suggest revising “conventional TC” to conventional CT.

In row 154 and 165 I suggest finding another abbreviation for Face Scanner because FS is already in use for facial skeleton.

Author Response

Point #1: "I would like to congratulate the authors on their work. The authors reviewed the literature to summarize the current evidence in connection with the superimposition of three-dimensional datasets in the orthodontic patient. Creating a virtual patient by integrating datasets of the facial skeleton, facial soft tissue, and dentition facilitates the communication between colleagues in case of a multidisciplinary approach to orthodontic treatment, the dental technician, and the patient. The virtual patient may be an essential tool in presenting the orthodontic anomaly and expected treatment outcomes to the patient. The three-dimensional planning allows the CAD CAM production of surgical splints and clear aligners. Of these datasets previously mentioned only computed tomography (CT) involves harmful radiation. However, in most cases instead of conventional CT, a  cone-beam CT is carried out which is becoming a standard in orthodontic imaging because of its lower radiation dose and high isotropic resolution."

Reply #1: thanks for the comment, we share your commitment to obtain a gold standard for superimposition of 3D images.

Point #2: "I suggest rephrasing rows 60-64, because dental lab scanners obtain three-dimensional datasets by scanning the cast or the impression, therefore dimensional changes of the impression material will affect their accuracy. I recommend adding that according to the literature the accuracy of intraoral scanners may be inadequate when scanning the full dentition."

Reply #2: thanks for the comment. The sentence has been changed.

Point #3: "In row 126, row 156, row 167, and throughout the manuscript I suggest revising “conventional TC” to conventional CT."

Reply #3: point taken. The abbreviation has been changed.

Point #4: "In row 154 and 165 I suggest finding another abbreviation for Face Scanner because FS is already in use for facial skeleton."

Reply #4: Point taken. The abbreviation has been removed.

Reviewer 2 Report

The aim of this systematic review is to summarize the current knowledge about the superimposition methods of three-dimensional diagnostic records and to analyze their declared accuracy.

This study was interesting and well-conducted but some minor revision was recommended.

Abstract

Line 23 on page 1 is not necessary, and it is recommended to delete it. Also, lines from 39 to 44 on page 1 are not necessary, and it is recommended to delete it.

Results

In the descriptive analysis section, it is desirable for readers to add relevant figures to the contents related to important research in each section so that the reader can easily understand them.

Author Response

Point #1: "Line 23 on page 1 is not necessary, and it is recommended to delete it. Also, lines from 39 to 44 on page 1 are not necessary, and it is recommended to delete it."

Reply #1: Thanks for the comment.

Point #2: "In the descriptive analysis section, it is desirable for readers to add relevant figures to the contents related to important research in each section so that the reader can easily understand them."

Reply #2: We absolutely agree with your suggestion. An image with three-dimensional workflow has been added.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf