Enhanced Lip-Contour During Facial Scan for 3D DSD and Implant Planning: A Blue Screen Approach

Abstract

When obtaining 3-dimensional (3D) facial images for digital smile design (DSD) and dental implant planning, inaccuracies may frequently be introduced by distortion in the region between the lips' vermilion border and the teeth. The present clinical technique aimed to reduce such deformation during face scanning, thereby facilitating 3D DSD. This is also essential to plan bone reduction with precision for implant reconstructions. A custom-made silicone matrix acting as a blue screen provided reliable support for 3D visualization of facial images in a patient requiring a new maxillary screw-retained implant-supported fixed complete denture. Imperceptible volumetric changes were registered in the facial tissues when the silicone matrix was added. The usual deformation of the lip vermilion border originating in face scans was overcome by applying blue-screen technology with a silicone matrix. Reproducing the vermilion border of the lip contour accurately may offer improved communication and visualization for 3D DSD. The silicone matrix was a practical approach that acted as a blue screen to display the transition from lips to teeth with satisfactory precision. Implementing blue-screen technology in reconstructive dentistry might increase predictability by reducing errors when scanning objects with challenging-to-capture surfaces.