Evaluation of the position of the virtual auricular model generated by image captured by laser scanning and development of 3D positioner device

Este trabalho fundamenta a aquisição de modelo digital auricular por meio do escâner de superfície e avalia o posicionamento tridimensional do modelo auricular digital, espelhado segundo medidas antropométricas faciais, com e sem referência anatômica do canal auditivo externo, bem como desenvolve um dispositivo posicionador tridimensional para prótese auricular. Os dados de dez indivíduos voluntários, adultos maiores de 25 anos de idade, não portadores de lesão congênita ou adquirida na região craniofacial e de ambos os gêneros foram submetidos ao Teste dos Postos Sinalizados de Wilcoxon (p0,05) e a medida angular C6 foi avaliada de forma porcentual. Os resultados demonstram que ocorre assimetria nas medidas lineares da posição dos modelos auriculares direitos e esquerdos espelhados nos respectivos lados contralaterais da face sem a referência do conduto auditivo externo, sendo duas vezes mais frequente no espelhamento do modelo auricular esquerdo no lado direito da face. Observa-se menor assimetria dos modelos auriculares direitos espelhados no lado esquerdo da face e simetria na posição dos modelos esquerdos espelhados no lado direito da face, com a referência do conduto auditivo externo. A medida angular C6 apresenta menor assimetria na posição dos modelos auriculares direitos do que nos esquerdos, espelhados nos respectivos lados contralaterais da face, com e sem a referência do conduto auditivo externo. Conclui-se que a utilização do conduto auditivo externo como referência anatômica proporciona melhor simetria linear e angular da posição dos modelos auriculares virtuais direitos e esquerdos, espelhados nos respectivos lados contralaterais da face. O dispositivo posicionador projetado possibilita o ajuste das assimetrias detectadas no espelhamento de modelos auriculares, promovendo a compensação das discrepâncias evidenciadas durante o planejamento virtual para posicionamento do modelo auricular.This study substantiates the acquisition of auricular digital model, by means of surface scanner, and assesses the placement of three-dimensional auricular digital models, mirrored according to facial anthropometric measurements, with and without anatomical reference of the external auditory canal, as well as developing a prosthetic device for three-dimensional positioning of the mirrored auricular model. The digital data of ten volunteers, adults over 25 years old, not suffering from congenital or acquired lesions in the craniofacial region and of both genders underwent Wilcoxon Ranking Test (p0.05) and angular measurement C6 was assessed as percentage. The results show that occurs asymmetry regarding the linear measurements in the positioning of the right and left ear models when mirrored in their contra lateral side of the face without reference of the external auditory canal, being twice as common in mirroring the left auricular model on the right side of the face. It is observed less asymmetry in the right auricular models mirrored on the left side of the face and symmetry in the positioning of the left models mirrored on the right side of the face, with the reference of the external auditory canal. The angular measurement C6 shows less asymmetry in the positioning of the models right auricular model than in those of the left, mirrored in their contra lateral side of the face, with or without reference to the external auditory canal. The use of the external auditory canal as anatomical reference provides better linear and angular symmetry in positioning the virtual auricular right and left models, mirrored in their contra lateral side of the face The three-dimensional positioner device designed enables the adjustment of the asymmetries found in mirroring the digital auricular models, providing compensation for discrepancies evidenced during the virtual positioning of the auricular model

Accuracy of face castings employing thermoplastic custom trays for facial molding

Aim: To evaluate the dimensional stability of a new facial molding technique using thermoplastic custom molding tray. Methods: The designs established demarcation of facial anthropometrics landmarks, making linear measurements with a digital caliper. Facial molding was carried out using thermoplastic custom trays, constructing a facial plaster cast with the anthropometric landmarks already transferred by measuring the linear dimensions on the plaster cast and statistical analysis. Results: All linear measurements in the palpebral and labial regions presented statistically significant distortions. Only one of the linear measurements from the orbital region did not demonstrate any significant distortion. The nasal region presented the least amount of distortion. Conclusions: Although statistically significant, distortions were due to the method of breathing and were considered to be clinically irrelevant. The reduction in the working time, the comfort provided to the patient and the dimensional accuracy of the plaster cast obtained by the facial molding technique using custom perforated molding tray suggest that this technique should be employed for making facial prostheses