RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the accuracy of 3D laser scanning is influenced by the angles and number of scans. METHODS: Using a 3D laser scanner, 10 manikins with facial markers were scanned at 7 horizontal angles (front view and at 20degrees, 45degrees, and 60degrees angles on the right and left sides). Three-dimensional facial images were reconstructed by 6 methods differing in the number and angles of scans, and measurements of these images were compared to the physical measurements from the manikins. RESULTS: The laser scan images were magnified by 0.14 - 0.26%. For images reconstructed by merging 2 scans, excluding the front view; and by merging 3 scans, including the front view and scans obtained at 20degrees on both sides; several measurements were significantly different than the physical measurements. However, for images reconstructed by merging 3 scans, including the front view; and 5 scans, including the front view and scans obtained at 20degrees and 60degrees on both sides; only 1 measurement was significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the number and angle of scans influence the accuracy of 3D laser scanning. A minimum of 3 scans, including the front view and scans obtained at more than 45degrees on both sides, should be integrated to obtain accurate 3D facial images.