The use of CT scans in orthodontics has increased, primarily because such scans give practitioners an enhanced view of a patient’s facial anatomy. Unlike traditional 2D X-rays, CT scans give a three-dimensional image of the patient’s skull, teeth, roots, and jaw that can be viewed from all angles, providing extra information that cannot be obtained solely with X-rays. This information can aid orthodontists and oral surgeons in diagnosing problems and planning treatment.

One particular orthodontic company needed a high-precision 3D scan of a skull to compare to measurement results obtained from its own cone-beam CT scanner. NVision, Inc., a leader in 3D non-contact optical scanning, recently provided this company with the information it needed to recalibrate its CT scanner. The orthodontic supplier used NVision’s Engineering Service Division; the NVision engineers scanned the skull with their handheld laser scanner, which delivered the measurement data necessary for the orthodontic company to recalibrate its CT machine to the highest possible level of accuracy.

The handheld scanner is a powerful portable device capable of capturing 3D geometry from objects of almost any size or shape. It is attached to a mechanical arm that moves about the object, freeing the user to capture data rapidly with a high degree of resolution and accuracy. An optional tripod provides complete portability in the field. Intuitive software allows full model editing, polygon reduction, and data output to all standard CAD packages.

“Our scan of the skull confirmed that the orthodontic company’s CT machine, although only 1/1000 of an inch off in its measurements, was in need of some recalibration,” said Colin Ellis, engineering manager, NVision. “The company subsequently used our skull measurements as its key tool in the recalibration process.”

NVision, Inc.
www.nvision3d.com