Moiré topography applications in prosthodontic & maxillofacial rehabilitation

Aim: To present applications of moire topography in prosthodontic & maxillofacial rehabilitation research. Introduction: Moire topography is a quantitative optical 3D shape measurement technique used in optical metrology; industrial, structural and mechanical engineering; medical and dental research. Applications of this technique in prosthodontic & maxillofacial rehabilitation have included surface anatomy measurements, assessment of deformities, post-operative evaluation of facial osteotomy, 3D reconstruction and monitoring of facial structures, strain distributions on teeth and processing deformation of dental materials. A pilot study was carried out to assess the application of moire profilometry versus the contact scanning technique for imaging the fitting surfaces of denture bases. Materials and Methods: Denture bases were fabricated by injection moulding polymethyl methacrylate and the fitting surfaces were digitized using 3D contact scanning and projection moire profilometry. Results: 3D surface data produced with moire profilometry could be used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of shape and deformation. This technique was more rapid and cost effective. However, calibration procedures were more complicated than with contact scanning as it was not a commercial device. Conclusion: Moire profilometry in this pilot study produced comparable results to contact scanning for the purpose of imaging denture bases. The digitization process was very rapid, thus more appropriate for specimens sensitive to exposure or loss of water content. This could be significant in studies of dental tissues, soft tissue contours, dental impression materials and maxillofacial prosthodontics.

ISBN:978-90-423-0419-2

Publication year:2013

Keywords:H2 Book chapter

Accessibility:Closed