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Updated: May 5, 2026

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Accuracy in Dental Medicine, A New Way to Measure Trueness and Precision
Published on: April 29, 2014
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Reliability of a 3D surface laser scanner for orthodontic applications
1Department of Orthodontics, University of Illinois at Chicago, 60612, USA. bkusno1@uic.edu
Summary
3D surface laser scanners accurately reconstruct objects for research. This technology demonstrates high precision for dental and facial models, offering potential in various scientific and clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Imaging
- 3D Reconstruction Technology
Background:
- Surface laser scanners create 3D digital models by measuring distances.
- Their ease of use offers potential in laboratory and clinical research.
- The Minolta Vivid700 3D surface laser scanner was evaluated for reliability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the accuracy and reproducibility of 3D object reconstructions using the Minolta Vivid700 scanner.
- To determine the scanner's performance across different object types and scanning distances.
- To evaluate the potential of 3D surface laser scanning in research and clinical settings.
Main Methods:
- Tested the Minolta Vivid700 3D surface laser scanner.
- Utilized a calibrated cylinder, a dental study model, and a plaster facial model for accuracy and reproducibility tests.
- Conducted tests at varying object-to-scanner distances.
Main Results:
- Calibrated cylinder tests showed spatial distance accuracy of 0.5 mm (vertical) and 0.3 mm (horizontal).
- Dental model tests achieved molar width accuracy of 0.2 mm and palatal vault depth accuracy of 0.7 mm.
- Facial model reconstruction yielded an accuracy of 1.9 mm.
Conclusions:
- The 3D surface laser scanner demonstrates high accuracy and reproducibility.
- Its ease of use and precision support its potential in diverse research applications.
- The technology is suitable for 3D analysis in orthodontics, including treatment changes, growth studies, and surgical simulations.

