3-D reconstruction of the human jaw using space carving

This paper presents a model-based vision system for dentistry that will assist in diagnosis, treatment planning and surgical simulation. Dentistry requires an accurate 3D representation of the teeth and jaws for diagnostic and treatment purposes. The proposed integrated computer vision system constructs a 3D model of the patient's dental occlusion using an intra-oral video camera. The space carving algorithm is used to reconstruct the shape of the human jaw. This algorithm provides more flexibility and eliminates several constraints imposed by other approaches like stereo. The system performance is investigated, and the results show acceptable reconstruction accuracy.