PHOTOGRAMMETRY IN DENTISTRY: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

The conducted analysis of the scientific literature has shown that the photogrammetric method of images acquisition has long been used in various fields of science and industry. Its advantages include the simplicity and affordability of technical implementation, high accuracy of the obtained data, complete contactless application and the opportunity for the digital processing of an enormous amount of information over a short period of time, acquisition of a virtual model of high accuracy. The testing of photogrammetry in medical practice has resulted in the indication of promising areas of its application and improvement. They have been specified in terms of the dental field, being directed to the acquisition of three-dimensional models of the head, jaws, alveolar processes, periodontal tissues, dentitions and individual teeth as well as to the reproduction of central occlusion, jaw articulation correlation and to three-dimensional implant and denture positioning. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have proven the competitiveness of photogrammetry as compared to 3-D scanning methods. however, some problems associated with its application remain unresolved. On the one hand, photogrammetry experts still lack some understanding of special requests of dental diagnostics, while dentists are still unaware of photogrammetry functional opportunities. Moreover, certain procedural requirements as for the angle, lighting, distance, etc. sufficiently restrict its technical capacity. In any case, most researchers point to the need for in-depth scientific studies of the actual practical photogrammetry opportunities, while further prospects for the introduction of this method are associated with the technical improvement of the equipment adapted to the peculiarities of dental practice.