BACKGROUND
In addition to standard X-rays, photographic documentation, cephalometric and model analysis, a computer-aided, three-dimensional (3D) simulation system has been developed in close cooperation with the Institute of Communications of the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. With this simulation system a photorealistic prediction of the expected soft tissue changes can be made. Prerequisites are a 3D reconstruction of the facial skeleton and a 3D laser scan of the face. After data reduction, the two data sets can be matched. Cutting planes enable the transposition of bony segments. The laser scan of the facial surface is combined with the underlying bone via a five-layered soft tissue model to convert bone movements on the soft tissue cover realistically.
CONCLUSION
Further research is necessary to replace the virtual subcutaneous soft tissue model by correct, topographic tissue anatomy.