Utilizing three-dimensional data in orthodontic practice and research

The recent prevalence of three dimensional (3D) images of soft and hard tissues provides a wealth of new data from which the clinician can evaluate these changes. However, evaluating this new data presents new and significant challenges. Current approaches utilizing multi-dimensional data for the precise evaluation of changes related to treatment and growth sets are reviewed. The results of current validation studies exploring approaches to these problems are reviewed, including the registration of longitudinal data using maxillary and mandibular regions of reference. Challenges related to the consistent selection of points on complex three-dimensional structures are circumvented using an automated, shape analysis based approach. Imaging using these new modalities yields a tremendous amount of data. Analysis of large data sets from cross-sectional studies with multiple variables are simplified using a principle components analysis, from which a reduced set of variables is constructed. Examples of this approach are presented. The use of advanced methods to process and interpret data from 3D imaging modalities highlights critical aspects of craniofacial growth and form.