Augmented Reality for Interactive Visualization of 3D Maxillofacial Prosthetic Data

Purpose: To introduce an augmented reality (AR) application for students, patients, and practitioners to use to visualize a maxillectomy defect, the associated obturator prosthesis, and the eventual effects on the patient's facial appearance. Materials and Methods: Various 3D virtual models related to maxillectomy defects and their prosthetic rehabilitations were used to illustrate the handheld AR application. The AR "scene" was created using Vuforia and Unity3D software. Within this scene, 3D virtual models were linked to the target image by detecting a symbol track marker. The final file was saved as an installable application and exported for Android smart devices. Results: The target image containing the maxillectomy defect and the prosthetic rehabilitation were successfully visualized interactively in 3D mode using the handheld AR maxillofacial prosthetic application. Conclusion: An AR application for visualizing maxillofacial prosthetic data could interestingly be developed as a pedagogic tool to explain prosthetic treatments.