Aim: 3D face impression techniques have been defined to eliminate the disadvantages of conventional impression methods. The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the accuracy of a digital technique using a novel 3D camera in relation to a conventional impression technique.
Materials and methods: Ten prefabricated polystyrene head molds each containing 10 predetermined anatomical landmarks were used. The 3D data of each head mold included in the study were generated through the use of the Intel RealSense D415 camera. Ten stone casts of head molds were also fabricated using conventional silicone impressions through a putty-wash impression technique. The reliability of the 3D data (Group 1) was directly compared with that of the stone casts (Group 2) and prefabricated polystyrene head molds (Group 3) by measuring the distances between 10 anatomical landmarks, including 45 distance measurements. Differences and consistencies were determined using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).
Results: Significant consistencies were found among the groups in terms of the overall mean values of the 45 distance measurements (ICC = 0.978, P = 0.001). Paired comparisons indicated significant correlations between Groups 1 and 2 (ICC = 0.970, P = 0.001), Groups 1 and 3 (ICC = 0.967, P = 0.001), and Groups 2 and 3 (ICC = 0.998, P = 0.001).
Conclusion: The distance measurement accuracy of the 3D camera was consistent with the reference values. Digital impressions obtained with 3D cameras can be an effective alternative to conventional impressions for craniofacial defects or deficiencies.