The use of a dynamic real-time jaw tracking device and cone beam computed tomography simulation

BACKGROUND: The aim was to introduce and preliminarily evaluate a new software application, SICAT Function, which can directly combine and merge three-dimensional cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and electronic SICAT jaw motion tracking (JMT) data. METHODS: A detailed description of the methods and dynamic clinical simulation of mandibular movements of a patient are demonstrated. Functional jaw movements on 3 days were recorded by JMT tracking system. The simulation was performed by merging CBCT and JMT data in the software SICAT Function suite. The condylar position simulated by SICAT Function suite was compared with real condyle position showed by a CBCT of the patient. RESULTS: The incisor ranges of functional movements were displayed by JMT tracking system. The visualization of patient-specific mandibular movement including the translation of the condyles was displayed after data merge. The recordings of mandibular movements of the patient were similar on 3 different days. The condylar position simulated by SICAT was coincident with real condyle position by CBCT data with the same amount of mouth opening. CONCLUSIONS: The SICAT Function software is a system capable of measuring and visualizing patient-specific jaw movement relative to the patient-specific anatomy of the jaw. Further studies are needed to validate its accuracy and its potential for future use.