Journal of Prosthodontics News
Assessment of 3D Facial Scan Integration in 3D Digital Workflows
Now online in the Journal of Prosthodontics, a report on the accuracy of integrating 3D facial scans with CBCT scans using the iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm, co-authored by ACP members Mohamed Elshewy, BDS, MS, FACP, Geoffrey A. Thompson, DDS, MS, FACP, Hongseok An, DDS, MSD, FACP, and Daniel Domagala, DDS, MS. Dr. Elshewy was awarded a 2018 Research Fellowship grant from the ACPEF to support this research.
The integration of 3D facial scanning into digital workflows has become increasingly important for enhancing treatment planning and esthetic evaluation, but data is limited regarding the accuracy of various methods of merging facial scans with CBCT scans.
This prospective clinical study included 15 patients who received CBCT scans and 3D facial scans in repose and smile positions. The Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) datasets from the CBCT scans containing RO markers were integrated with the standard tessellation language (STL) files from the facial scans in Exocad software using two methods: RO alignment and the ICP algorithm.
To evaluate and compare the accuracy of the two alignment techniques, landmark deviations were measured at six facial locations. Each patient's facial scan was aligned with CBCT data using both techniques. The distances between corresponding marker positions were calculated and compared using paired t-tests. Accuracy was assessed as trueness, defined as the deviation from the reference landmark positions across the two datasets.
Merging 3D facial scans to CBCT using radiopaque markers demonstrated higher trueness compared to the ICP algorithm under the conditions tested. This technique may serve as a reliable alternative for improving integration accuracy in digital dental workflows, particularly where precise facial landmark preservation is essential.
Elshewy M, Thompson GA, An H, Domagala D, Pruett M. Assessment of 3D facial scan integration in 3D digital workflows using radiographic markers and the iterative closest point algorithm. J Prosthodont. 2026; 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1111/jopr.70087
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