Reproducibility of Quantitative Measurement of White Enamel Demineralisation by Image Analysis

Abstract

The reproducibility of measuring artificial enamel white spot lesions from captured photographic images using computerised image analysis was assessed. Enamel lesions were induced on the buccal surface of 22 human teeth over periods of 3, 7 and 14 days. Standardised photographs were taken from above and below the occlusal plane. These were repeated after 2 weeks. The photographs were converted into TIFF images and mean grey scale levels of the areas of etched enamel were measured using computerised image analysis. Assessment of repeat readings of the same slide showed good reproducibility for photographs taken below the occlusal plane. The limits of agreement showed reasonable agreement between readings carried out on two slides of the same tooth. Capturing TIFF images via 35–mm film and measuring grey scale levels by computerised image analysis is a useful method of quantitative study of early enamel demineralisation. This may be developed for application in the clinical setting.

Quantification of White Spot Lesions around Orthodontic Brackets with Image Analysis

“…These results are in agreement with those of previous studies that investigated the reproducibility of the application of image analysis for assessment of enamel demineralization on scanned photographic slides of teeth with brackets 17 and without brackets. 15,16 Based on our results, we can add that the presence of brackets did not influence the results. This is of clinical importance as the clinician will be able to accurately detect the presence of white spot lesions during the orthodontic treatment and, more important, to monitor their progress after taking the necessary preventive measures.…”

“…Recently, the measurement of white spot lesions from conventional photographic images using computerized image analysis was suggested for the clinical setting. 15 The reproducibility of this method has been confirmed by various study protocols, [15][16][17] and the accuracy has also been proved when carried out on digital images. 18 Regarding the technical details, several authors have cautioned against alteration in the angle at which the camera is placed relative to the buccal surface of the tooth 15 and reflected light, [14][15][16][17][18][19] as these might give false readings of the area of interest.…”

“…Until now, there has been evidence about the reproducibility of measurements performed on scanned photographic slides 16,17 and digital images 18 by computer-assisted analysis of the slides. The use of a digital camera, as suggested by Benson et al, 15 can be advantageous in terms of reducing the variation in image production and time consumed.…”

White-spot lesions during multibracket appliance treatment: A challenge for clinical excellence

“…Willmot et al (2000) reported that WSL could be measured reliably from photographic slides converted into digital images. A few years later Benson et al (2005) reported that captured slides are as accurate and reproducible as direct digital camera images for the evaluation of enamel demineralization.…”

White lesions after orthodontic treatment: does low fluoride make a difference?

“…We can then compare that figure for the whole subject with other participants in the clinical trial in order to compare test and control groups. Following examination of the curves and data seen in the earlier clinical longitudinal studies, 17,18 difference in lesion as a proportion of total tooth area (DWL%t) for A-B (where A5start and B5end) expressed as a percentage reduction (DPR), would a good measure. For participants with multiple lesions, the differences for up to four lesions were measured and averaged to give the average difference in percentage reduction (ADPR).…”