Automatic recognition of landmarks on digital dental models

Fundamental principle in improving Dental and Orthodontic treatments is the ability to quantitatively assess cross-compare their outcomes. Such assessments require calculating distances angles from 3D coordinates of dental landmarks. The costly repetitive task hand-labelling models hinder studies requiring large sample size penetrate statistical noise. We have developed techniques a software implementing these map out automatically, scans. This process divided into consecutive steps – determining model's orientation, separating identifying individual tooth finding landmarks on each described this paper. examples demonstrate techniques, discussions remaining issues are provided as well. originally designed automate Modified Huddard Bodemham (MHB) landmarking for assessing cleft lip/palate patients. Currently only MHB supported, however it extendable any predetermined software, coupled with intra-oral scanning innovation, should supersede arduous error prone plaster model calipers approach research, provide stepping-stone towards automation routine clinical such “index orthodontic treatment need” (IOTN).