Four-dimensional visualization of mandibular movement using an individual's head model reconstructed from cephalograms

We introduce a new four-dimensional (4D) visualizing system of stomatognathic function that combines an individual's 3D head model, reconstructed from cephalograms, and mandibular movement data recorded with a six degrees-of-freedom jaw movement analyzer. The individual's head model was constructed by transforming a standard head model according to the 3D coordinate values calculated from the individual's cephalograms. The accuracy of the 3D reconstructed head model was determined. The error averaged 1.02%, with a range of 0.39–1.58%, and the accuracy was sufficient for clinical use. This method performs dynamic and precise simulation of mandibular movement. We believe that our system will be useful for evaluating the functional background of patients with malocclusions and maxillofacial deformities.