Evaluation of Three Kinds of 3D Digital Data Acquisition Systems in Fabricating Facial Prosthesis

Abstract

Conventional methods for facial impression modeling can be uncomfortable for patients and the weight of the impression material can cause inaccuracy in fabricating facial prosthesis. Recently, several rapid prototyping systems have been introduced as simpler modeling methods, eliminating to need to make an impression. In this study, we evaluated three kinds of data acquisition systems in terms of accuracy and usability prior to clinical application in fabricating facial prosthesis.
Three subjects with symmetric facial curvature participated in this study. Informed consent was obtained for each subject. Three kinds of data were obtained using a laser scanning digitizer, a photogrammetric system, and a white-light phase-shifting triangulation system, respectively. Actual measurement of the face was performed simultaneously based on the pre-established landmarks. Those images were compared using model analyzing software.
All systems showed well accuracy. No significant difference was noted among the data acquisition systems and actual measurements. The laser scanning digitizer required the longest measurement time, which might cause motion artifact, while the photogrammetric system required the shortest measurement time.
This study demonstrates that each measurement system is reliable for fabricating facial prosthesis.