Accuracy of the craniofacial position of the maxilla captured by different computerized optical methods: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this literature review was to systematically evaluate and analyze the current state of knowledge on methods and their accuracy in computerized optical craniofacial registration of the maxillary position. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following Cochrane guidelines and the PRISMA scheme, relevant publications were identified in February 2023 via PubMed (Medline), Cochrane Library and Web of Science. The focus was on evaluating the accuracy of computerized optical methods for craniofacial registration. Two investigators selected studies based on predefined criteria. Data were analyzed tabularly and descriptively. The risk of bias was assessed using QUADAS-2. RESULTS: From 2,837 publications, 8 studies were eligible for final analyses. Outcomes varied across workflows utilizing landmarks, CAD/CAM facebows or transfer splints validated against reference standards such as CT, CBCT or 3D electromagnetic digitizer. Structured light trueness deviations ranged from 0.19 to 0.46 mm with high local precision. Stereophotogrammetry demonstrated trueness errors between 0.07 and 1.46 mm, showing high axial stability but a topographic precision decrease toward posterior landmarks. Mobile devices exhibited the lowest trueness (0.50 to 1.64 mm) and highly variable precision. No superior digital integration method could be determined. Due methodological and device heterogeneity a meta-analysis was not applicable, limiting direct comparisons. CONCLUSION: Computerized optical methods offer high potential for accurate craniofacial registration of the maxillary position compared to conventional facebows. Structured light scanners demonstrated the highest accuracy, followed by stereophotogrammetry systems, while mobile devices were the least accurate. Further studies require larger populations, standardized protocols, clearly defined outcome and detailed documentation.