3D superimposition of craniofacial imaging—The utility of multicentre collaborations

Abstract

Structured Abstract Clinical applications of 3D image registration and superimposition have contributed to better understanding growth changes and clinical outcomes. The use of 3D dental and craniofacial imaging in dentistry requires validate image analysis methods for improved diagnosis, treatment planning, navigation and assessment of treatment response. Volumetric 3D images, such as cone-beam computed tomography, can now be superimposed by voxels, surfaces or landmarks. Regardless of the image modality or the software tools, the concepts of regions or points of reference affect all quantitative of qualitative assessments. This study reviews current state of the art in 3D image analysis including 3D superimpositions relative to the cranial base and different regional superimpositions, the development of open source and commercial tools for 3D analysis, how this technology has increased clinical research collaborations from centres all around the globe, some insight on how to incorporate artificial intelligence for big data analysis and progress towards personalized orthodontics.

Accuracy of splint vs splintless technique for virtually planned orthognathic surgery: A voxel-based three-dimensional analysis

“…Voxelbased hasn't introduced any advantage in the superimposition process, as it is similar to 2D superimposition of cephalometric radiographs, but with a higher level of difficulty as it is more complex to identify specific points in a 3D dataset. Also, it is very difficult to find the exact same point at the post-op dicom, which inevitably introduces a significant human error in the process 37 . The surface-based registration instead of specific points, uses the outer surface of the 3D model to achieve the superimposition (Fig.21).…”

“…It has been shown to have good outcomes, but still has some limitations mainly due to the fact that it completely ignores the inner information of a 3D model and only focuses on the outer information of its surface. Also, the surface of the pre and post 3D model must be of a high quality in order for the superimposition to be accurate 37 . The third option for 3D superimposition is the voxel-based registration, which instead of landmarks, relies on gray scale as its base for registration.…”

“…In the past 20 years, numerous investigations have been published regarding virtual planning in orthognathic surgery. The variability of available programs for virtual planning, has led to countless reports on different protocols for virtual planning37,38 . The next inevitable question was: are these methods of virtual planning accurate?…”

Radiographic Evaluation of Bone Remodeling after Additively Manufactured Subperiosteal Jaw Implantation (AMSJI) in the Maxilla: A One-Year Follow-Up Study

“…In addition, a surfacebased superimposition uses only the surface of the 3D structure for the overlapping. A high-quality surface is required for an accurate superimposition [51].…”

Accuracy of Integration of Dental Cast and Cephalograms Compared with Cone-Beam Computed Tomography: A Comparative Study

“…Entering the three-dimensional (3D) digital era, orthodontists are focusing on 3D evaluation of tooth movement. 3D tooth treatment changes can be measured through superimposition of pre-and posttreatment CBCT scans [11] or digital dental casts [12][13][14]. However, knowledge regarding 3D tooth growth changes is di cult to study.…”