Cloner 3D photogrammetric facial scanner: Assessment of accuracy in a controlled clinical study

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of facial measurements on three-dimensional images obtained using a new photogrammetric scanner. Material and Methods: A total of 11 participants were included in the study. Nine customized adhesive labels were used to identify the facial landmarks: Trichion (Tri), Glabella (G), Right (Exr) and Left (Exl), Pronasal (Pn), Subnasal (Sn), Chelion right (Chr) and left (Chl) and Mentonian (Me). Two trained and calibrated examiners were responsible for performing seven linear measurements for each participant (Tri-G, Sn-Me, Exr-Exl, Chr-Chl, Exr-Chr, Exl-Chl, Pn-Sn) first with a digital caliper and later with a three-dimensional model obtained after digitalization with photogrammetric technology. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), mean difference, SD, and Bland–Altman correlation were used to compare the measurements performed. Results: Intra and inter-examiner reliability were excellent (ICC >0.9). In general, the measurements presented a variation of a minor 2.0 mm. However, only three measures (Sn-Me, Exr-Exl, and Exr-Chr) were outside the clinical acceptability range. Conclusions: The 3D Cloner scanner showed clinically acceptable accuracy comparable to the digital caliper with a variation of −0.8 ± 1.2 mm. Inter- and intra-examiner agreement on digital measurements was also observed. Clinical Significance: Scanners with accurate 3D model reproductions associated with reliable digital measurements provide a more precise diagnosis and better planning in orofacial treatment.