Objective: To reconstruct 3D shape of edentulous jaw by using improved measurement system and to analyze the precision of this method.
Methods: Standard edentulous jaw models were measured with a improved measurement system by cutting and scanning layer-by-layer, and the 3D shape of the models was reconstructed by image processing with specialty software. Ten cubic plaster modes were reconstructed by the same way, data of every border before and after reconstruction were measured and analyzed.
Results: Data of edentulous jaw models were obtained. The errors in ten cubic before and after reconstruction were not significantly different (P > 0.05), data measured in horizontal plane were not significantly different (P > 0.05), and data measured in altitude direction were significantly different (P < 0.01), data measured after reconstruction were less than before, the error was (0.09 +/- 0.08) mm.
Conclusion: The improved cutting and scanning measurement system can be fit for the 3D reconstruction of stomatognathic system with high precision.