Integration of 3-D Shapes of Dentition and Facial Morphology Using a High-Speed Laser Scanner

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop a method to integrate three dimensional data of dentition and facial morphology measured by a high-speed laser scanner, and visualize them by computer graphics. The accuracy of integration was also examined. Materials and Methods: The 3-D shapes of upper and lower dental casts and the face of a subject were measured by a high-speed laser scanner with zoom lens facility. As an interface to integrate the coordinates between dentition and face, an extraoral marker plate attached to the occlusal record plate was devised. It was applied between the upper and lower dental casts, and with the subject, and measured. Integration was attempted by coinciding the data of the interface. The accuracy of integration was examined using the conditions of the marker plate such as surface shape and attachment angle. Results: Integration of the data of dentition and face was accomplished. The 3-D relationship between them could be visualized in any direction or section by computer graphics. For optimal accuracy of integration, the marker plate with a mixed shape of flat and sinusoidal wave attached at 45 degrees to the occlusal record plate showed the most appropriate results. Conclusion: An original method to integrate the 3-D data of dentition and face measured by 3-D laser scanner was developed and shown to have acceptable accuracy.