Smartphone-based 3D scanner for virtual facebow demonstrates better precision and angular trueness than conventional facebows: Study

A cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan with an aligned maxillary arch scan was used as the control for each participant. Three reference points were placed on the maxillary arch scan on the right first molar, left central incisor, and left first molar. Scans from each group were superimposed on the CBCT scan to determine trueness. Scans within each group were also superimposed on each other to determine precision. Linear deviation at the 3 reference points and the angular deviation of occlusal planes were measured using a Python script. The trueness and precision of the 2 groups were compared by using a linear mixed model to account for repeated measures (α=.05).

Results: No significant linear trueness differences between the 2 groups were found (P>.05). However, the VFR_SP group showed significantly less angular deviation: 1.53 degrees for the virtual facebow and 2.03 degrees for the conventional facebow group (P=.046). Regarding precision, the VFR_SP group showed significantly less linear deviation: 1.59 mm for the virtual facebow group and 2.33 mm for the conventional facebow group (P<.001), as well as angular deviation: 1.03 degrees for the virtual facebow group and 2.17 degrees for the conventional facebow (P<.001). The VFR_SP group showed better accuracy compared with the CFR group. Further research with a larger sample size is needed.

Reference:

Accuracy of a facebow record: A comparison between a conventional facebow and a smartphone 3D scanner. Yousuf, Hasan Al et al. Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, Volume 0, Issue 0