Laser Scanning in Maxillofacial Surgery

Abstract

Capturing three-dimensional (3D) imaging is essential in the broad field of cranio-maxillofacial surgery. Laser scanners and stereophotogrammetry are more and more relevant for capturing (facial) soft tissues. For this purpose, a 3D laser scanning imaging system, using a nonhazardous laser, with a precise texture reproduction and in some models with colour capturing, can replace 3D imaging with radiation in many cases. This chapter gives an overview on the different applications of laser scanning in maxillofacial surgery. The following topics will be pointed out: the method of laser scanning; the laser scanning of plaster models, impressions and skull models; the laser scanning for oral surgical planning and for the assessment of facial swelling after oral surgery; the laser scanning of malformations; the laser scanning in facial aesthetics and epithetic procedures; and the laser scanning in orthodontic treatment and orthognathic surgery. 3D laser scanners are still commonly used, but recently other devices, often based on stereophotogrammetry or 3D camera systems, became often superior. Due to shorter acquisition times, these systems are less vulnerable to motion artefacts and, thereby, more suitable for capturing small children or less cooperative patients.