3D maxillofacial model creation for computer-guided treatments in oral rehabilitation

Recent advances in 3D imaging techniques have provided flexible tools for clinical assessments within many medical fields. In the field of orthodontic and orthognathic surgery, the reliable creation of 3D anatomical models can assist clinicians for both diagnosis and treatment planning. In particular, the accurate integration between facial soft tissue, facial skeleton and dentition (maxillofacial triad) provides clinicians with a complete model for virtual 3D treatment planning. However, none of the existing imaging technologies is able to simultaneously capture the complete triad with the optimal resolution and accuracy. For this reason, a “model fusion” process must be carried out in order to integrate 3D models obtained using different imaging techniques. This paper aims at introducing a procedure to create accurate maxillofacial triad models by guiding the fusion of multi-modal 3D imaging techniques. The methodology is based on integrating a structured light optical scanner with Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) data processing in order to capture the different tissue groups composing the maxillofacial triad. The generated models represent an all-embracing virtual workbench for orthodontists in the treatment planning of malocclusion problems and for surgeons in the preoperative prediction of surgical outcomes.