Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL, cilt.15, sa.5, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Dental professionals face an increased risk of exposure to biological fluids, aerosols, and droplets due to close patient contact, which heightens the risk of infectious diseases. Rubber dam, commonly used in dentistry, not only isolates treatment areas but also reduces aerosol and droplet dispersion. Accurate orthodontic bracket positioning is crucial for optimal treatment, and isolation techniques like rubber dam and traditional methods are essential for ensuring precise bracket placement and bonding. This study aims to compare the effects of rubber dam and traditional isolation techniques on orthodontic bracket positioning using 3D digital models, while also evaluating the impact of these methods on the patient's chair time during the procedure. The study group (RDI-Rubber Dam Isolation) included individuals isolated with a rubber dam, while the control group (TI-Traditional Isolation) consisted of those isolated using retractors and cotton rolls. Digital models were taken from these groups before bracketing (BB) and after bracketing (AB). BB models were transferred to the OrthoanalyzerTM program for virtual bracketing and a virtual bonding model (VB) was created. AB and VB models were superimposed in the GOM InspectTM program in order to determine the accuracy of the bracket positions. Linear measurements were taken along the X, Y, and Z axes, while angular measurements were recorded on the XY, XZ, and YZ planes. There was no significant difference in deviation values along the X-axis between the RDI and TI groups. In both groups, the lowest deviation values in linear measurements were found in the Z-axis, while the highest deviation values were found in the Y-axis. In the Y-axis, it was found that the deviation values were higher in the RDI group for tooth numbers 32 and 33, and in the Z-axis, the deviation values were higher in the RDI group for tooth numbers 34 and 44. In angular measurements, it was observed that in the XY plane, the deviation values in tooth number 35 were higher in the TI group. RDI proves to be an effective method for ensuring accurate bracket positioning in orthodontic procedures when compared to traditional isolation techniques. Especially considering infectious diseases, the use of RDI is considered appropriate.