Abstract
Purpose : This paper proposes the application of haptic modeling to a virtual waxing-up system to be used for dental education and dental CAD systems.
Materials and Methods : A mandibular right first molar model was selected from the tooth crown model data library we had previously created from the three-dimensional coordinate data of plaster models enlarged four times. After partially damaging the occlusal surface shape of the tooth model, we reconstructed its original shape using a haptic modeling system consisting of a haptic force feedback device called the PHANToM® and 3D modeling software called FreeForm®.
Results : The FreeForm modeling system enables easier control of the functional shape of the occlusal surface than previous modification methods that handled the control points of various free-form surfaces with the 2D mouse. Additionally, the haptic interfaces were extremely useful for resolving visual ambiguities ; the sense of touch led to greater accuracy.
Conclusion : We affirmed that the use of this haptic modeling system can provide a significant benefit to dental education and dental CAD systems.
