The Future of Orthodontic Diagnostic Records

The use of 3-dimensional (3D) diagnostic records can be an extremely valuable tool. These records can accurately reproduce a patient dataset in a secondary environment, and when appropriately interfaced, allow the practitioner the ability to create and manipulate these records as a 3D “virtual patient.” Stereophotogrammetry images were obtained from the 3dMD system (Atlanta, GA), and this system produces a full-face image in 1.5 ms by the use of an active stereo approach. Cone beam computed tomography images from the Sirona Galileos System (Charlotte, NC) provide the base and internal volume onto which a 3dMD image can be overlaid. In both image acquisition systems, natural head posture was adopted for all subjects, as this has been proven to be clinically reproducible. 3dMDvultus was the software platform that allowed visualization and fusion of the 2 imaging modalities. In vivo Dental was used to create the cone beam computerized tomography study models. The relative ease of reconstructing the 3D virtual represents the right step forward in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. With the cost and increase in speed for acquiring and reproducing images, 3D virtual record will one day replace current methods of orthodontic record taking.