Combining Intraoral Scans, Cone Beam Computed Tomography and Face Scans: The Virtual Patient

Purpose: The aim of this literature review was to provide an update on the current scientific knowledge in the field of 3D virtual patient science, and to identify a possible easy, smart and affordable method to combine different file formats obtained from different digital devices. Methods: Electronic searches of the Medline database was performed, up to May 2017, for articles dealing with the construction of a 3D virtual patient; the matching of Powered by Editorial Manager® and ProduXion Manager® from Aries Systems Corporation data acquired with different digital devices (cone beam computed tomography, CBCT; face scanner, FS, intraoral scanner, IOS and desktop scanner, DS) was considered. The inclusion of studies was based on the superimposition of at least two different digital sources. Results: Twenty-five studies were selected for subsequent examination. Only three studies analysed the feasibility of superimposition of three different types of 3D data (CBCT + FS + IOS/DS). The most frequently used matching procedure was between CBCT and FS and CBCT and IOS/DS. Conclusions: The procedure of superimposition of data from CBCT, IOS and FS is currently feasible and it is now possible to create a 3D "virtual patient" in order to better diagnose, plan the treatment and communicate with patients.