Ohtani Dental Orthodontics in Matsuyama City Introduces 3D Face Scanner "MORPHEUS3D SCANNER" to Visualize Post-Orthodontic Facial Changes with Realistic 3D Simulation

Ohtani Dental Orthodontics in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, has recently introduced the 3D face scanner "MORPHEUS3D SCANNER". With the introduction of this device, it is now possible to confirm facial changes due to alterations in tooth alignment from orthodontic treatment as a three-dimensional facial simulation.

New Simulation Allows Visualization of Changes to the Entire Face Previously, orthodontic treatment allowed for the creation and confirmation of 3D simulations of changes in tooth alignment before and after treatment using intraoral scanners.

Even with this method, patients found it helpful for visualizing how beautiful tooth alignment would fit into their own faces after treatment, leading to positive feedback such as "It made me feel more positive about the treatment." However, regarding how the overall facial impression changes as the tooth alignment improves, patients were only guided by simulations that could move the mouth area in profile photos, making it difficult for them to visualize concretely. The 3D face scanner introduced this time can capture the shape of the entire face stereoscopically. Furthermore, it allows for free manipulation of one's own facial image from 360 degrees. Orthodontic treatment involves various treatment plans, such as "retracting front teeth," "correcting crowded teeth," or "using surgery in conjunction to change the position of the lower jaw." The benefit of using a 3D face scanner is the ability to visualize how one's own facial appearance will actually change through such treatments. This makes it easier for patients to grasp the facial changes resulting from orthodontic treatment more concretely. Furthermore, the face scanner used at our clinic can be utilized in combination with examination data such as CT data and cephalometric X-rays taken during orthodontic examinations. In other words, by inputting the ideal positions of the upper and lower front teeth calculated from orthodontic examinations, or the skeletal changes during surgical orthodontics (changing the position of the upper and lower jaws through surgery, treatment for jaw deformities), it is now possible to three-dimensionally simulate the impact of hard tissue changes in teeth and bones on the soft tissue of the face. As a result, objective visualization of changes, including the balance of the entire face as well as tooth alignment, is now possible. This allows for visually easy-to-understand presentations from the initial consultation.

Towards Treatment Considering the Balance of the Entire Face, Not Just the Mouth Area At Ohtani Dental Orthodontics, we plan diagnoses and treatment plans for orthodontic treatment that consider not only tooth alignment but also the bite and the balance of the entire face (facial analysis).