title: Three-dimensional color maps: a novel tool for assessing craniofacial changes.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Three-dimensional (3D) color maps are useful for analyzing data acquired by laser scanning, stereophotography, or computed tomography (CT). The authors aim to illustrate the different applications of color maps in the craniomaxillofacial region.
  
  
  METHODS
  The images obtained from the above techniques at 2 different time points are superimposed based on a common area unaffected by the surgical intervention or growth. Using specialized software, the distance differences between the 2 superimposed images are depicted in a graphical format as a 3D color map. A color-coded scale indicating the distances accompanies these maps.
  
  
  RESULTS
  3D color maps can be manipulated and viewed in a variety of angles to extract the maximum diagnostic information. They facilitate the critical evaluation of facial asymmetry, accuracy of fusing CT and 3D photo data sets, and postsurgical changes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  3D color maps aid the objective assessment of craniofacial structures while enhancing visual comprehension and communication with patients.
authors.affiliation: Discipline of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.
authors.forename: Yasas S N
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Jayaratne
authors.forename: Roger A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Zwahlen
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lo
authors.forename: Lim K
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Cheung
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002508:Cephalometry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007834:Lasers; D008297:Male; D010780:Photogrammetry; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods