Making clinical sense of 3-dimensional metrology software programs.

Three-dimensional (3D) metrology software programs were designed to allow the user to capture and process the data from 3D scanners and other devices to measure, understand, and communicate inspection results to ensure manufacturing quality. Its use in dentistry has increased with concerns over how to make clinically significant decisions based on the data provided. The data produced by a commonly used software program was reviewed, and a rationale for interpreting that data was presented. The requirements for trueness, precision, and tolerance were also reviewed. In addition, contact was made with Oqton Tech Support, who is responsible for the Geomagic software program. The arithmetic average and the root mean square (RMS) do not identify the amount of deviation nor the direction and may not be helpful in determining how to use the data. RMS, and other statistical approaches, can show that there was a deviation but do not tell how much and in what direction. For prosthodontic studies, the 3D color map is the most efficacious method of determining the clinical significance of 3D metrology software.