Original Research

Year : 2026 | Volume : 17 | Issue : 1 | Page : 60-71

Comparison of Two Smart Phone Based 3D Facial Scanning Applications for Soft Tissue Anthropometric Measurements: A Prospective Study

Rahul Narendran 1, Amarnath B.C 2, Dharma R.M 2, Prashanth C.S 3, Narayan Gandedkar 4, Akshai Shetty 5

1-Post Graduate, 2-Professor, 3-Dean and Professor, Department of Orthodontics, D A Pandu Memorial RV Dental College, Bengaluru, Karnataka-560078, 4-Program Director, DClinDent, Post-Graduate Studies (Orthodontics), Discipline of Orthodontics & Paediatric Dentistry. The University of Sydney, School of Dentistry, NSW, 2006, 5-Professor and Head, Department of Orthodontics, D A Pandu Memorial RV Dental College, Bengaluru, Karnataka-560078.

Address for Correspondence:

Dr Akshai Shetty, MDS, M.Orth (RCSEd)

Professor and Head,

Department of Orthodontics,

D A Pandu Memorial RV Dental College,

Bengaluru, Karnataka 560078.

Email: Akshaishettyortho@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Recent developments have transformed dentistry from traditional workflow to a digital workflow. Face scan is one such advancement to study the facial soft tissues. This study was done to compare facial measurements obtained using two smart phone-based 3D facial scan applications with clinical measurements.

Methodology: In this prospective study, forty participants meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected. Three-dimensional facial reconstructions were captured for each participant in the digital group utilising dual-structured light facial scanners (Bellus3D and Face App). Clinical measurements were taken using Digital callipers. Using open-source software, inter landmark measurements were taken (Meshlab). Measurement differences were evaluated by comparing the direct measurement with the two digital measurements.

Results: Measurements made with Bellus 3D were closer to the clinical values, for five parameters. (mean nose height (P=.04), the mean nasal bridge length (P=.04), the mean mouth width (P=.001), the mean distance between glabella – sub-nasale (P=.02), the mean distance between pro-nasale – menton. (P=.002)

Conclusion: Bellus 3D app produced measurements comparable to the clinical measurements in comparison to Face app.

Keywords: Face scan; Bellus 3D; Face App; Facial mapping; soft tissue landmarks.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND FUNDING

Nil

How to cite this article: Rahul Narendran, Amarnath B.C, Dharma R.M, Prashanth C.S, Narayan Gandedkar, Akshai Shetty. Comparison of Two Smart Phone Based 3D Facial Scanning Applications for Soft Tissue Anthropometric Measurements: A Prospective Study.

Int J Orthod Rehabil 2026; 17 (1): 60-71.

Doi: 10.56501/Intjorthodrehabil.171.ijor0076