Three-dimensional analysis of mandibular functional units in adult patients with unilateral posterior crossbite: A cone beam study with the use of mirroring and surface-to-surface matching techniques

A Critical Evaluation of Image Superimposition in Dentistry

Image superimposition currently serves as an essential tool for evaluating the effectiveness of treatment by overlaying 2 or more images taken at different time intervals. Superimposition has proved to be an integral diagnostic tool in terms of assessing procedural accuracy, growth patterns, possible changes in extraoral soft tissue, and overall direction of teeth displacement. Several superimposition protocols have been proposed in literature. Traditionally, superimposition was done on 2-dimensional lateral cephalometric radiographs. However, this approach has its limitations. The rise of 3-dimensional (3D) imaging, including computed tomography and cone beam computed tomography, has introduced more advanced diagnostic tools. These technologies enable the creation of volumetric 3D images, which can be used for 3D superimposition to evaluate changes in the dentocraniofacial area. The primary techniques for 3D superimposition include landmark-based methods, surface-based methods, and the more recent voxel-based superimposition. By incorporating soft tissue data, the development of a virtual 3D patient is possible, offering substantial benefits in the field of dental and craniofacial medicine. Moreover, 4-dimensional superimposition, which captures the dynamics of temporomandibular joint and mandibular movements, is shifting research toward the study of dynamic, rather than static, virtual patients. Additionally, the advent of artificial intelligence is revolutionizing superimposition by enabling automated processes, which are poised to transform clinical and research practices. Here, we explore the recent advancements in superimposition techniques and their potential implications in dentocraniofacial analysis.

Functional treatment of unilateral posterior crossbite improves condylar asymmetry in mixed dentition patients

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

This study's aim was to evaluate the effects of unilateral posterior crossbite (UPXB) treatment with the appliance Function Generating Bite (FGB) on the asymmetry of mandibular condyles and rami.

MATERIALS/METHODS

This retrospective study included 156 patients: 52 with UPXB (F = 30, M = 22, mean age ± SD = 7.9 ± 1.5 [yr.mo]) treated with FGB, 104 age and gender-matched control subjects without the malocclusion (control-T0: N = 52, F = 30, M = 22, mean age ± SD = 8.2 ± 1.3; control-T1, n = 52, F = 30, M = 22, mean age ± SD 9.7 ± 1.2). Pre- (T0) and post-treatment (T1) orthopantomographies were analyzed by finding the intersection between a line tangent to the lateral profile of the condyle and ramus and a perpendicular line tangent to the condylar head; the intersection and tangent points were used to measure condylar and ramal heights and to calculate the percentage difference between the sides (asymmetry index). Cephalometric analysis was performed on lateral skull X-rays taken at T0 and T1.

RESULTS

Condylar asymmetry was significantly increased in UPXB at T0 (P < 0.00001) but not at T1. Between T0/T1 the asymmetry was significantly reduced (P < 0.01). Cephalometric analysis showed that mandibular clockwise rotation was significantly increased in UPXB at T0 (P < 0,01) but not at T1, when the clockwise rotation was significantly reduced (P < 0.05).

LIMITATIONS

This study did not include an untreated UPXB group and did not evaluate condylar morphology, Conclusions/implications: Functional treatment of UPXB with FGB was associated with a significant reduction in condylar asymmetry and significant mandibular repositioning, highlighting that FGB could rebalance condylar growth in developing patients.

Condylar changes in adult patients with unilateral posterior crossbite following microimplant-assisted rapid palatal expansion: A retrospective CBCT study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess the alterations in condylar positioning in adult skeletal Class I patients with unilateral posterior crossbite following microimplant-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) treatment.

METHODS

This retrospective study involving 30 participants (10 males, 20 females) with an average age 22.9 ± 4.2 years, ranged from 18.1 to 30.9 years, who were treated with a customized microimplant-supported rapid palatal expander. Pre-expansion and post- comprehensive orthodontic treatment CBCT images (20-26 ±2.1months) were analyzed to assess the condylar changes before and after treatment. We measured the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in the three dimension in terms of: (1) The position and angle of the mandibular condyles; (2) How centralized the condyles were in their particular mandibular fossae; and (3) The volume of the TMJ and the joint spaces. To evaluate the differences between the T1 and T2 samples, we used the paired t-test and the Wilcoxon signed rank test.

RESULTS

Before treatment, minor differences were noted in the anterior joint space (AJS), superior joint space (SJS), and anteroposterior condylar joint position (APCJP) between the crossbite and non-crossbite sides, though these differences were not statistically significant. Post-treatment, the condyles on both sides assumed a more posterior position, yet significant asymmetry in the AJS persisted (P < .05). The crossbite-side condyle also showed a tendency to rotate toward the non-crossbite side in the anteroposterior direction. While MARPE affected specific aspects of condylar positioning, achieving complete alignment remained challenging.

CONCLUSION

This study provides insightful observations on the enduring impacts of MARPE on TMJ spaces and position in adult patients suffering from a unilateral posterior crossbite.

Three-dimensional analysis of mandibular morphology asymmetry and temporomandibular joint position in patients with unilateral Brodie bite

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies have shown unilateral posterior crossbite is associated with mandibular asymmetry in morphology and position. However, it remains unclear whether unilateral Brodie bite plays a similar role in mandibular development. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the morphological and positional symmetry of mandibles in patients with unilateral Brodie bite by three-dimensional anaylsis.

METHODS

Fourteen patients with unilateral Brodie bite (mean age 18.43 ± 4.24 years) and fourteen sex- and age-matched patients with normal occlusion (mean age 18.07 ± 5.48 years) underwent cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. 3D surface mesh models of their mandibles were established using Mimics Research 19.0. The surface matching percentage was compared between the original and mirrored mandible by Geomagic Control X software. Furthermore, the dimension and position of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) were determined for both groups using InVivoDental 5.0.

RESULTS

For surface-to-surface deviation analysis, the percentage of mismatch in patients with unilateral Brodie bite was significantly higher than the control group at ±0.50 mm, ±0.75 mm, and ±1.00 mm tolerance (P < .001). In patients with unilateral Brodie syndrome, the condyles on the scissors-bite side showed a significantly more anterior position (P = .03), greater medial inclination (P < .01), and larger posterior TMJ space (P = .01) than the non-scissors-bite side.

CONCLUSION

Patients with unilateral Brodie bite exhibit a more asymmetrical mandibular morphology, with a greater anterior condylar position and posterior joint space on the scissors-bite side, indicating that early diagnosis and treatment may be necessary for patients with unilateral Brodie bite.

Three-dimensional quantification of mandibular asymmetries in Caucasian adult patients with different sagittal and vertical skeletal patterns. A cone beam study using 3D segmentation and mirroring procedures

INTRODUCTION

An accurate identification of mandibular asymmetries is required by modern orthodontics and orthognathic surgery to improve diagnosis and treatment planning of such deformities. Although craniofacial deformities are very frequent pathologies, some types of asymmetries can be very difficult to assess without the proper diagnostic tools. The purpose of this study was to implement the usage of three-dimensional (3D) segmentation procedures to identify asymmetries at the mandibular level in adult patients with different vertical and sagittal patterns where the asymmetries could go unnoticed at the observational level.

METHODS

The study sample comprised 60 adult patients (33 women and 27 men, aged between 18 and 60 years). Subjects were divided into 3 sagittal and vertical skeletal groups. CBCT images were segmented, mirrored and voxel-based registered with reference landmarks using ITK-SNAP® and 3DSlicer® software's. 3D surface models were constructed to evaluate the degree of asymmetry at different anatomical levels.

RESULTS

There was a degree of asymmetry, with the left hemimandible tending to contain the right one (0.123 ± 0.270 mm (CI95% 0.036-0.222; p < 0.001). Although the subjects under study did not present significant differences between mandibular asymmetries and their sagittal or vertical skeletal pattern (p = 0.809 and p = 0.453, respectively), a statistically significant difference has been found depending on the anatomical region (p < 0.001; CI95%=1.020-1.021), being higher in the condyle, followed by the ramus and the corpus.

CONCLUSIONS

Although mandibular asymmetries cannot be correlated with vertical and sagittal skeletal patterns in symmetric patients, knowledge about 3D segmentation procedures and color maps can provide valuable information to identify mandibular asymmetries.

External root resorption and rapid maxillary expansion in the short-term: a CBCT comparative study between tooth-borne and bone-borne appliances, using 3D imaging digital technology

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to analyze and compare external root resorption (ERR) in patients treated with tooth-borne (TB) and bone-borne (BB) rapid maxillary expansion (RME).

METHODS

The sample included 40 subjects who received tooth-borne RME (TB group, average age: 13.1 ± 1.08 years) or bone-borne RME (BB group, average age: 14.5 ± 1.11 years) and Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans before treatment (T0) and after 3-month of retention (T1). A specific 3D Imaging technology was used to generate 3D models of posterior dentition (M1 = maxillary first molars, P2 = second premolars, P1 = first premolar) and calculate volumetric data (mean and percentage values) and shape changes, the latter obtained from deviation analysis between the radicular models at different time points. Evaluation of radicular length changes was performed for each tooth. Data were statistically analysed to perform intra-timing and inter-groups comparisons.

RESULTS

A significant reduction of radicular volume and length was found in posterior dentition in both groups (p < 0.05), and the M1 (volume) and its palatal root (length) were mostly involved in this response. No differences were found between M1, P1 and P2 (p > 0.05) when volumetric changes were calculated as percentage of the total volume. Deviation analysis revealed that the radicular areas mostly affected by shape change were the apex and bucco-medial side. The amount of ERR was significantly greater in TB group compared to BB group.

CONCLUSIONS

BB-RME treatment could reduce the amount of ERR at the post-expansion stage.

Three-Dimensional Distance Mapping Method to Evaluate Mandibular Symmetry and Morphology of Adults with Unilateral Premolar Scissors Bite

(1) Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the association between unilateral premolar scissors bite and mandibular symmetry of adults via the 3D distance mapping method. (2) Methods: A total of 53 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of adults with unilateral premolar scissors bite were set as study samples. A total of 53 age- and sex-matched samples without scissors bite were in the control group. Three-dimensional mandibular models and seven mandibular functional units, including condylar process (Co), coronoid process (Cr), mandibular ramus (Ra), mandibular angle (Ma), alveolar process (Ap), mandibular body (Mb), and chin process (Ch) were constructed and mirrored. After superimposition of the original and the mirrored models, 3D distance maps and deviation analysis were performed to evaluate the mandibular symmetry and morphology. (3) Results: In the study group, the matching percentages of the entire mandible (50.79 ± 10.38%), Ap (67.00 ± 12.68%), Mb (66.62 ± 9.44%), Ra (62.52 ± 11.00%), Ch (80.75 ± 9.86%), and Co (62.78 ± 13.56) were lower than that of the entire mandible (58.60 ± 5.52) (p < 0.01), Ap (73.83 ± 8.88%) (p < 0.01), Mb (72.37 ± 8.69%) (p < 0.01), Ra (68.60 ± 7.56%) (p < 0.01), Ch (85.23 ± 6.80%) (p < 0.01), and Co (67.58 ± 10.32%) (p < 0.05) in the control group. However, Cr and Ma showed no significant difference (p > 0.05). (4) Conclusions: The 3D distance mapping method provided a qualitative and quantitative mandibular symmetry and morphology assessment. Mandibular asymmetry was found in adults with unilateral premolar scissors bites. Mandibular functional units, including the alveolar process, mandibular body, mandibular ramus, chin process, and condylar process, showed significant differences, while no significant difference was observed in the coronoid process and mandibular angle.

Fully automatic segmentation of the mandible based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs)

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the accuracy of automatic deep learning-based method for fully automatic segmentation of the mandible from CBCTs.

SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION

CBCT-derived mandible fully automatic segmentation.

METHODS

Forty CBCT scans from healthy patients (20 females and 20 males, mean age 23.37 ± 3.34) were collected, and a manual mandible segmentation was carried out by using Mimics software. Twenty CBCT scans were randomly selected and used for training the artificial intelligence model file. The remaining 20 CBCT segmentation masks were used to test the accuracy of the CNN automatic method by comparing the segmentation volumes of the 3D models obtained with automatic and manual segmentations. The accuracy of the CNN-based method was also assessed by using the DICE Score coefficient (DSC) and by the surface-to-surface matching technique. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Dahlberg's formula were used respectively to test the intra-observer reliability and method error. Independent Student's t test was used for between-groups volumetric comparison.

RESULTS

Measurements were highly correlated with an ICC value of 0.937, while the method error was 0.24 mm³ . A difference of 0.71 (±0.49) cm³ was found between the methodologies, but it was not statistically significant (P > .05). The matching percentage detected was 90.35% (±1.88) (tolerance 0.5 mm) and 96.32% ± 1.97% (tolerance 1.0 mm). The differences, measured as DSC in percentage, between the assessments done with both methods were, respectively, 2.8% and 3.1%.

CONCLUSION

The tested deep learning CNN-based technology is accurate and performs as well as an experienced image reader but at much higher speed, which is of significant clinical relevance.

Three-dimensional zygomatic changes after rapid maxillary expansion in growing patients

PURPOSE

To assess the effects of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) treatment on the zygomatic bone complex (ZBC).

METHODS

In this single-center retrospective study, pre- and posttreatment cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 38 patients treated with RME were analyzed to investigate changes in the coordinates of the ZBC landmarks. At the start of treatment (T0), the patients' mean age was 11.1 ± 3.8 years (range 8.3-14.9 years). Cohen's d test was used to evaluate statistical differences.

RESULTS

There were statistically significant differences between T0 and T1 (P < 0.01) in the measurement values for the maxillary transverse width (ΔT: 3.18 ± 2.58, d: 1.23), frontozygomatic sutures (ΔT: 1.09 ± 0.56, d: 0.43), lowest point of the zygomaticomaxillary sutures (ΔT: 3.16 ± 1.78, d: 0.78), frontomaxillary angular parameter (right side ΔT: 2.81 ± 1.63, d: 1.73; left side ΔT: 2.52 ± 1.20, d: 2.10), frontozygomatic angular parameter (right side ΔT: 2.81 ± 1.63 d: 1.07; left side ΔT: 2.21 ± 2.79, d: 0.61), anterior intermaxillary distance (ΔT: 2.11 ± 1.42, d: 0.99), interzygomaticotemporal distance (ΔT: 2.00 ± 2.42, d: 0.99), and zygomatic angular parameter (right side ΔT: 2.06 ± 1.29, d: 1.6; left side ΔT: 2.02 ± 1.86, d: 1.09).

CONCLUSIONS

After RME in growing patients, the zygomatic bone showed pyramidal expansion in the coronal plane and parallel palatal expansion in the axial plane. In addition, significant lateral relocation of the zygomatic bone occurred. The zygomatic bone tended to rotate outward in conjunction with the maxilla, with a typical center of rotation close to the superior side of the frontozygomatic suture. These results shed light on the patterns of skeletal expansion in the zygomatic bone associated with RME in growing patients.

Fully automatic segmentation of sinonasal cavity and pharyngeal airway based on convolutional neural networks

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to test the accuracy of a new automatic deep learning-based approach on the basis of convolutional neural networks (CNN) for fully automatic segmentation of the sinonasal cavity and the pharyngeal airway from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans.

METHODS

Forty CBCT scans from healthy patients (20 women and 20 men; mean age, 23.37 ± 3.34 years) were collected, and manual segmentation of the sinonasal cavity and pharyngeal subregions were carried out by using Mimics software (version 20.0; Materialise, Leuven, Belgium). Twenty CBCT scans from the total sample were randomly selected and used for training the artificial intelligence model file. The remaining 20 CBCT segmentation masks were used to test the accuracy of the CNN fully automatic method by comparing the segmentation volumes of the 3-dimensional models obtained with automatic and manual segmentations. The accuracy of the CNN-based method was also assessed by using the Dice score coefficient and by the surface-to-surface matching technique. The intraclass correlation coefficient and Dahlberg's formula were used to test the intraobserver reliability and method error, respectively. Independent Student t test was used for between-groups volumetric comparison.

RESULTS

Measurements were highly correlated with an intraclass correlation coefficient value of 0.921, whereas the method error was 0.31 mm³. A mean difference of 1.93 ± 0.73 cm³ was found between the methodologies, but it was not statistically significant (P >0.05). The mean matching percentage detected was 85.35 ± 2.59 (tolerance 0.5 mm) and 93.44 ± 2.54 (tolerance 1.0 mm). The differences, measured as the Dice score coefficient in percentage, between the assessments done with both methods were 3.3% and 5.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The new deep learning-based method for automated segmentation of the sinonasal cavity and the pharyngeal airway in CBCT scans is accurate and performs equally well as an experienced image reader.

The Evolution of the Cephalometric Superimposition Techniques from the Beginning to the Digital Era: A Brief Descriptive Review

Superimposition of craniofacial structures from radiographic examination has been always used for assessing changes in the maxilla-mandibular complexes, especially for the evaluation of potential changes occurring during growth as well as after orthodontic treatment and/or maxillofacial surgery. However, the availability of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and the recent advancement in 3D imaging have allowed the development of specific techniques for the registration and superimposition of virtual three-dimensional anatomical structures, improving the diagnosis and treatment plan strategies. In the present paper, it will be discussed the evolution of superimposition techniques from the beginning (2D) to the newest 3D approach, describing the most used methods and their main advantages and disadvantages, focusing primarily on accuracy and reproducibility of each technique.

Evaluation of mandibular changes after rapid maxillary expansion: a CBCT study in youngsters with unilateral posterior crossbite using a surface-to-surface matching technique

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate mandibular asymmetry in youngsters with posterior unilateral crossbite (PUXB), through cone-beam computed tomography and reverse engineering technique, before and after rapid maxillary expansion (RME) treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were obtained from all patients at two time points, namely T0 acquired before the placement of a Hyrax expander and T1 after appliance removal. The CBCT scans were segmented and volume rendered into a surface there-dimensional (3D) mesh model. Thereafter, mandibular models were digitally registered by using a "best-fit" algorithm. Surface and volumetric changes, between T0 and T1, were compared by using Student's t tests.

RESULTS

A slight increase of 0.45 cm3 of the total mandibular volume was found at T1 when compared with T0 (p < 0.001). The mandibular hemi-volume on the crossbite side (CB) was slightly smaller than the non-crossbite side both at T0 and T1. However, the mean differences of hemi-volume from the CB (crossbite) and non-CB side between T0 and T1 show a decrease of 0.26 cm3 (p < 0.001). Findings for the surface-to-surface deviation analysis demonstrated a fine percentage of matching at T0 which slightly improved at T1 (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Youngsters affected by PUXB showed a very slight and not statistically significant volumetric and morphological asymmetry between CB side and non-CB side at T0. However, the change in mean differences of 0.26 cm cannot be considered clinically relevant.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Mandibles in young PUXB patients exhibit only a very mild mandibular asymmetry. Although the statistically significant mean change found right after RME removal cannot be considered clinically relevant, a more consistent sample and a longer follow-up could be of interest in explaining the short-term findings.

Three-dimensional morphological and positional analysis of the temporomandibular joint in adults with posterior crossbite: A cross-sectional comparative study

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to three-dimensionally (3D) evaluate the morphological and positional features of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in adults with unilateral and bilateral posterior crossbite compared with aligned control subjects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional comparative study analysed cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 90 adult subjects' divided into three equal groups: bilateral posterior crossbite (BCG), unilateral posterior crossbite (UCG) and control group (CG). 3D measurements of the TMJ included the following: (a) position, angulation and inclination of the mandibular condyles; (b) centralisation of the condyles in their respective mandibular fossae; and (c) volumetric measurements of the TMJ spaces. Intra- and intergroup differences were identified using the paired Student's t test and an analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's post hoc test, respectively.

RESULTS

Regarding the intra-group side-based comparisons, there were significant differences in the anterior and superior joint spaces and the anteroposterior condylar joint position in the UCG. Intergroup comparisons revealed significant differences in the vertical condylar inclination, medial condylar position, condylar width and height, and volumetric joint space between the unaffected side of the UCG and left sides of the other groups. There were significant differences in the anteroposterior condylar inclination, medial condylar position, condylar width and height, anterior, posterior, superior and volumetric joint spaces, and anteroposterior condylar joint position between the crossbite side of the UCG and the right sides of the other groups.

CONCLUSION

Skeletal crossbite accompanied with characteristic morphological and positional TMJ features associated with unilateral posterior crossbite and are associated with side-specific TMJ asymmetry.

Comparison between Additive and Subtractive CAD-CAM Technique to Produce Orthognathic Surgical Splints: A Personalized Approach

The present study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of digitally designed surgical splints generated with milling technology (material subtractive procedure) and with 3D printing technology (material additive procedure) through a customized approach in the planning of surgical orthognathic splints. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) examinations and scanned dental models of 10 subjects who had required surgical treatment of skeletal malocclusion were included. Simulation of the orthognathic surgery was performed according to dento-skeletal and aesthetic characteristics of the subjects and the visual treatment objective (VTO), using Dolphin3D software (Dolphin Imaging, version 11.0, Chatsworth, CA, USA). Afterward, the Appliance Designer software (3Shape A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark) was used to digitally design the surgical splints that were generated twice using laser stereolithography technology (DWS 0.29D, DWS, Vicenza, Italy) and milling technology (Sirona inLab MC X5). Finally, each physical splint was digitalized using a desktop scanner (D500 3D, 3Shape A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark) in order to perform deviation analysis using the original project as a reference. The relative percentage of matching (trueness) was calculated (Geomagic Control X software (3D Systems, version 2018.1.1, 3D Systems, Rock Hill, SC, USA). An Independent Student's t-test was used to statistically analyze the data. The milled splints showed a lower value of root to mean square (RMS) relative to the original project (0.20 mm ± 0.018) compared to the prototyped splints (0.31 ± 0.021) (p < 0.001). According to the present findings, surgical splints generated with milling technology present higher trueness compared with 3D printing technology.

A New Approach to Set the Absolute Midsagittal Plane of the Mandible Using a Similarity Index in Skeletal Class III Patients with Facial Asymmetry

This study sought to test the feasibility of a newly developed plane called computed modified absolute mandibular midsagittal plane (cmAMP) based on the similarity index (SI) for evaluating the stereoscopical symmetry of the mandible by comparison with other proposed midsagittal planes. This study involved 29 adult patients (15 men, 14 women; average age, 23.1 ± 6.9 years) with skeletal Class III facial asymmetry who underwent bimaxillary orthognathic surgery. Using cone-beam computed tomography images taken before and 1 year after surgery, cmAMP with the highest SI value between the two anterior segments of the hemi-mandible was set by a computer algorithm. Results show that the SI using cmAMP had the highest value (0.83 ± 0.04) before surgery compared to the other midsagittal planes, and was not significantly different from the SI (0.80 ± 0.05) using a facial midsagittal plane (MSP) after surgery. The distance (1.15 ± 0.74 mm) and angle (2.02 ± 0.82°) between MSP and cmAMP after surgery were significantly smaller than those between MSP and other midsagittal planes. In conclusion, the cmAMP plane best matches the two anterior segments of hemi-mandible symmetrically and is the closest to MSP after orthognathic surgery in skeletal Class III patients with facial asymmetry.

Evaluation of Imaging Software Accuracy for 3-Dimensional Analysis of the Mandibular Condyle. A Comparative Study Using a Surface-to-Surface Matching Technique

The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of 3D rendering of the mandibular condylar region obtained from different semi-automatic segmentation methodology. A total of 10 Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) were selected to perform semi-automatic segmentation of the condyles by using three free-source software (Invesalius, version 3.0.0, Centro de Tecnologia da Informação Renato Archer, Campinas, SP, Brazil; ITK-Snap, version2.2.0; Slicer 3D, version 4.10.2) and one commercially available software Dolphin 3D (Dolphin Imaging, version 11.0, Chatsworth, CA, USA). The same models were also manually segmented (Mimics, version 17.01, Materialise, Leuven, Belgium) and set as ground truth. The accuracy of semi-automatic segmentation was evaluated by (1) comparing the volume of each semi-automatic 3D rendered condylar model with that obtained with manual segmentation, (2) deviation analysis of each 3D rendered mandibular models with those obtained from manual segmentation. No significant differences were found in the volumetric dimensions of the condylar models among the tested software (p > 0.05). However, the color-coded map showed underestimation of the condylar models obtained with ITK-Snap and Slicer 3D, and overestimation with Dolphin 3D and Invesalius. Excellent reliability was found for both intra-observer and inter-observer readings. Despite the excellent reliability, the present findings suggest that data of condylar morphology obtained with semi-automatic segmentation should be taken with caution when an accurate definition of condylar boundaries is required.

One Step before 3D Printing-Evaluation of Imaging Software Accuracy for 3-Dimensional Analysis of the Mandible: A Comparative Study Using a Surface-to-Surface Matching Technique

The accuracy of 3D reconstructions of the craniomaxillofacial region using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is important for the morphological evaluation of specific anatomical structures. Moreover, an accurate segmentation process is fundamental for the physical reconstruction of the anatomy (3D printing) when a preliminary simulation of the therapy is required. In this regard, the objective of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of four different types of software for the semiautomatic segmentation of the mandibular jaw compared to manual segmentation, used as a gold standard. Twenty cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) with a manual approach (Mimics) and a semi-automatic approach (Invesalius, ITK-Snap, Dolphin 3D, Slicer 3D) were selected for the segmentation of the mandible in the present study. The accuracy of semi-automatic segmentation was evaluated: (1) by comparing the mandibular volumes obtained with semi-automatic 3D rendering and manual segmentation and (2) by deviation analysis between the two mandibular models. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate differences in mandibular volumetric recordings and for a deviation analysis among the different software types used. Linear regression was also performed between manual and semi-automatic methods. No significant differences were found in the total volumes among the obtained 3D mandibular models (Mimics = 40.85 cm3, ITK-Snap = 40.81 cm3, Invesalius = 40.04 cm3, Dolphin 3D = 42.03 cm3, Slicer 3D = 40.58 cm3). High correlations were found between the semi-automatic segmentation and manual segmentation approach, with R coefficients ranging from 0,960 to 0,992. According to the deviation analysis, the mandibular models obtained with ITK-Snap showed the highest matching percentage (Tolerance A = 88.44%, Tolerance B = 97.30%), while those obtained with Dolphin 3D showed the lowest matching percentage (Tolerance A = 60.01%, Tolerance B = 87.76%) (p < 0.05). Colour-coded maps showed that the area of greatest mismatch between semi-automatic and manual segmentation was the condylar region and the region proximate to the dental roots. Despite the fact that the semi-automatic segmentation of the mandible showed, in general, high reliability and high correlation with the manual segmentation, caution should be taken when evaluating the morphological and dimensional characteristics of the condyles either on CBCT-derived digital models or physical models (3D printing).