The in vitro study aimed to evaluate linear dimensional shifts in intraoral photographs of the esthetic zone captured using two smartphone cameras—the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra—compared to a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera, which is regarded as the gold standard for dental photography. Imaging was performed under controlled conditions using a custom-designed stand and stabilizer to maintain a consistent distance and angle between the dental model and the photographic devices. Standardized frontal and occlusal images of the anterior maxillary region were acquired, and point-to-point linear measurements between specified dental landmarks were performed using calibrated digital imaging software.

Each measurement was conducted triple and then averaged across various samples per image to guarantee precision and dependability. Friedman’s test with Bonferroni correction was applied for statistical analysis to evaluate differences among the imaging devices. The results indicated no statistically significant variations in linear measures between the DSLR and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (p > 0.05), however minor inconsistencies were noted between the DSLR and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. It is important to acknowledge that all images were obtained utilizing the stabilization system, which contrasts with the conventional handheld approach applied in clinical environments and could impact the external validity of the results. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, in telephoto mode, demonstrated measurement precision similar to that of a DSLR camera, potentially serving as a reliable choice for clinical intraoral photography. The iPhone 15 Pro Max demonstrated potential, although minor measurement discrepancies.

The authors have declared no competing interest.

The author(s) received no specific funding for this work.

I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained.

Yes

The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:

This study was conducted using dental model specimens only. No human participants or identifiable patient data were involved therefore, institutional review board (IRB) approval and patient consent were not required.

I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals.

Yes

I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance).

Yes

I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable.

Yes

All relevant data are within the manuscript and its Supporting Information files.