Curvilinear hole filling for 3D digital dental models

Abstract

Dental models are important for orthodontics diagnostic and treatment. Advances in imaging modality have led to conventional plaster models being replaced by the more versatile laser scanned ones. Due to various physical factors during the scan however, mesh irregularities such as holes and tangling facets are often been introduced. These have thus far impeded the subsequent computational and otherwise efficient analysis on the digital model. This article proposes a mesh pre-processing technique, which resolves prime defects on a dental mesh. The key contribution is the projection of a curvilinear non-planar two-manifold hole on a low distortion contour, upon which a network of regular facets may be re-triangulated. The experiments showed the potential of our scheme where moderately convoluted holes on typical dental mesh can be successfully patched.