Accuracy of Facial Digitization Using a New Mobile Device-Compatible 3D Scanner for Malocclusion

Area of Science:

• Medical Technology
• Digital Imaging
• Orthognathic Surgery

Background:

• Current 3D facial scanners are costly and lack portability, limiting their use in orthognathic surgery.
• There is a need for accessible, mobile-based 3D facial scanning solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a mobile device-compatible 3D facial scanning software (i3Dface) for orthognathic surgery.
• To assess the reproducibility and accuracy of i3Dface for facial digitization.

Main Methods:

• i3Dface software was developed and tested on mobile tablets with 50 volunteers.
• Reproducibility was assessed under varying light intensity and shooting angles.
• Accuracy was compared against a stereophotogrammetry system (3dMD) and manual measurements.

Main Results:

• i3Dface showed strong reproducibility in optimal lighting (600-2100 lux) and angles (-20° to 10°).
• No significant difference in facial measurements was found between i3Dface and 3dMD.
• 3D spatial accuracy varied by facial region, with highest precision in the chin (0.59 ± 0.13 mm).
• i3Dface images aligned effectively with CBCT soft tissue images for clinical applications.

Conclusions:

• i3Dface provides reproducible and accurate 3D facial digitization for orthognathic surgery.
• The software meets clinical requirements and supports the integration of digital technology.
• Mobile-based 3D facial scanning enhances accessibility in orthognathic surgery planning.