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Published on: January 2, 2020
Monoscopic photogrammetry to obtain 3D models by a mobile device: a method for making facial prostheses
Rodrigo Salazar-Gamarra1, Rosemary Seelaus2, Jorge Vicente Lopes da Silva3
1UNIP Postgraduate Dental School, Universidade Paulista, Rua Afonso Braz, 525 - Cj. 81 Vila Nova Conceição, São Paulo, CEP 04511-011, SP, Brazil. rodrigo_eb@hotmail.com.
Purpose:
The aim of this study is to present the development of a new technique to obtain 3D models using photogrammetry by a mobile device and free software, as a method for making digital facial impressions of patients with maxillofacial defects for the final purpose of 3D printing of facial prostheses.
Methods:
With the use of a mobile device, free software and a photo capture protocol, 2D captures of the anatomy of a patient with a facial defect were transformed into a 3D model. The resultant digital models were evaluated for visual and technical integrity. The technical process and resultant models were described and analyzed for technical and clinical usability.
Results:
Generating 3D models to make digital face impressions was possible by the use of photogrammetry with photos taken by a mobile device. The facial anatomy of the patient was reproduced by a *.3dp and a *.stl file with no major irregularities. 3D printing was possible.
Conclusions:
An alternative method for capturing facial anatomy is possible using a mobile device for the purpose of obtaining and designing 3D models for facial rehabilitation. Further studies must be realized to compare 3D modeling among different techniques and systems.
Clinical Implication:
Free software and low cost equipment could be a feasible solution to obtain 3D models for making digital face impressions for maxillofacial prostheses, improving access for clinical centers that do not have high cost technology considered as a prior acquisition.

