Comparison of Preoperative Measurement Methods of Alveolar Cleft Volume Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography between Computer Simulation and Water Displacement Methods.

This article focuses on comparing the accuracy of alveolar cleft volume measurement using computer simulation by Mimics software versus the water displacement method based on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) data in patients with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate (UCCLP). In a prospective study of twenty patients, volumes measured by the Mimics software on 3D virtual models showed no statistically significant difference from those obtained by the water displacement method on 3D printed models filled with plasticine. The findings indicate that Mimics software provides a reproducible, accurate, rapid, and cost-effective alternative for volumetric assessment of alveolar clefts using CBCT images. This method may aid preoperative planning for alveolar bone grafting by accurately estimating bone defect volume while potentially reducing time and expense compared to traditional techniques.