Abstract
Several attempts to make three-dimensional reconstructions using lateral and frontal cephalograms have been made. However, these did not sufficiently express the morphological features because of problems in magnification and distortion of the cephalograms.
In this study, we introduce a new method to construct three-dimensional hard tissue and soft tissue images from cephalograms and facial photographs. This new method was employed to perform computer simulation for patients with mandibular prognathism who underwent sagittal splitting ramus osteotomy (SSRO).
The advantages of this system were as follows:
1. A prototype model was constructed based on the coordinates of anatomical landmarks registered on three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT). Respective points obtained from cephalograms and facial photographs were superimposed on the prototype model, and then an interpolating procedure was performed between points after fitting the point each other, and then the morphological feature of the patient was extracted.
2. With the present three-dimensional integration system, a wire-frame model was used to represent the hard and soft tissues of the maxillofacial structure. As a result, we made it possible to reproduce the three-dimensional integrated model on a personal computer and view the structure from any desired angle.
3. The simulated postoperative skeletal and facial images were similar to the actual ones obtained after surgery. Thus, we believe that employing this new method will provide easy-to-understand information to patients and establish a method for communication with oral surgeons and orthodontists.
