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Intraoral 3D Scanning in Cleft Care

We readwith great interest the recent article published by Chalmers et al. (2016) describing the assessment of superiority of intraoral 3D scanning or dental impression based on assessment of dental arch relationship and patient or parent perceptions of impressions and intraoral 3D scanning. We congratulate the authors for conducting a state-of-art research on the possible replacement of conventional impression with intraoral 3D scans in longitudinal evaluations of the outcomes of cleft care. In this study, authors concluded that reliability of scoring of dental arch relationship using intraoral 3D scans is superior to indirect digital or plaster models. They also found that subjects with UCLP preferred intraoral 3D scanning to dental impression, and this was mirrored by parent or carers. Here, we would like to highlight the additional vital role of intraoral 3D scanning in cleft care in addition to its advantages of more patient-friendly and real-time assessment of dental arch relationship. Complications associated with impression of cleft lip and palate patient (Chate, 1995; Harshiv et al., 2012) can be avoided using intraoral 3D scanning. Further, these scans can be used to generate the 3D computer-aided design (CAD) model of the proposed presurgical nasoavolear molding (PNAM) device, feeding appliance, and/or palatal obturator. The CAD models can be utilized to fabricate these appliances using computeraided manufacturing (CAM) technology or 3D printing technology (Groth et al., 2014). Hence, considering the above vital utility of 3D technology in cleft care and the research findings of Chalmers et al. (2016), we feel that 3D technology definitely will replace conventional methods, not only in diagnosis and treatment planning but also for appliance design and treatment.