Three-dimensional imaging for orthodontics and maxillofacial surgery

  • C. How Kau &
  • S. Richmond
UK: Wiley-Blackwell price £95.00; pp 309 ISBN 9781405162401 | ISBN: 978-1-4051-6240-1

This well presented hardback book has been brought together and contributed to by specialists from around the world. The book is aimed towards specialists working in the fields of orthodontics and cranio-maxillofacial surgery, to broaden their knowledge on this new and developing area of imaging, both theoretically and clinically.

The book is laid out into three parts, making up a total of 19 chapters. The book is very comprehensive, and the text is well illustrated with countless coloured photographs, diagrams and examples of 3D images, which you can expect from the different systems available. For further examples the book has a companion website, where the reader can find video clips of motion images, which at times is prompted in the book.

The opening chapter, 'The legalities of Cone Beam Imaging' is an excellent light start to the book, stressing the importance of justification, consent, documentation and confidentiality matters with cone beam imaging, as is essential with any form of Radiography. The remainder of Part 1 of the book goes through the different 3D systems available and clinical applications with cases. The clinical cases are useful, because it not only demonstrates how 3D imaging can be useful in complex cases; they also show how it can help with the more common cases.

Part 2 emphasises how useful 3D imaging can be in both specialties for diagnosis, treatment planning and a more predictable treatment and growth outcome of both the hard and soft tissues. However, the book does express the continued importance of a thorough physical examination in the decision-making process. The final chapter of part 2 demonstrates the remarkable extent to which 3D imaging can be used to create custom made surgical guides and prostheses. This has removed the need for a model of the anatomy to be made, and allows the fabrication of smaller, thinner prostheses whilst maintaining rigidity.

Part 3 focuses on how 3D imaging would be useful in assessing movement and facial dynamics. The chapters describe how it is still an evolving field undergoing research and practice.

The plan of the book is well thought out with the end chapter summarising the past and the future of 3D imaging. The book as a whole meets its target audience, but does explain procedures and concepts in easy to understand language, which makes it an interesting read for anybody wanting further information or who has an interest in this field.