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Updated: May 24, 2026
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Quantitative Assessment Protocol for Facial Soft Tissue Volumetric Changes with Stereophotogrammetry
Published on: December 9, 2025
Integration of a maxillary model into facial surface stereophotogrammetry
T E Bechtold1, T G Göz, E Schaupp
1Department of Orthodontics, Eberhard Karl University, Osianderstr. 2-8, 72076, Tübingen, Germany. till.bechtold@med.uni-tuebingen.de
Summary
A new 3D scanning method simplifies integrating maxillary and facial models for orthodontic research. This radiation-free technique offers reliable results for growth and therapy control in young patients.
Area of Science:
- Dentofacial research
- Orthodontics
- 3D imaging
Background:
- Traditional 3D model integration is complex, requiring invasive procedures like face bow transfer.
- Existing methods necessitate multiple impressions and specialized equipment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simplified method for integrating 3D scanned maxillary and facial models.
- To evaluate the accuracy and reliability of the new integration technique.
Main Methods:
- A 10-step procedure was developed to integrate 3D scans of the maxilla and face.
- The integrated model was validated against cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) using 10 dentofacial measurements in 19 orthodontic patients.
Main Results:
- The new method demonstrated good intra-individual reliability.
- Vertical measurements showed excellent agreement between the integrated scan and CBCT.
- Sagittal measurements had clinically acceptable deviations, attributed to method-specific error sources.
Conclusions:
- The developed method effectively generates 3D integrated surface-scan models for dentofacial studies.
- This radiation-free approach is ideal for pediatric and adolescent patients in orthodontic and growth analysis.
- The technique enhances therapeutic and growth monitoring capabilities in orthodontics.
