3D images in dental education

The purpose of this study was to prepare didactic material using three-dimensional (3D) images for the teaching of dentistry. The use of 3D images provides clear details of anatomic structures, operative procedures, characteristics of prosthetic preparations and the anatomy of root canals. To obtain the 3D effects, images of acrylic models of teeth were taken with a digital camera (Mavica®, Sony, Japan) in two different positions. Between the taking of the first and the second image, a dislocation of 2° in the horizontal plane, around the vertical axis of a goniometer, was performed. Thus, successive images of one object with different angles were obtained. The successive photographs were edited using computer software for image edition (Photo Editor and Adobe Photoshop) to increase the brightness of red, cyan and green and to overlay the photos with modified angles, thus creating a three-dimensional effect. Standard 3D glasses made in cardboard with lens made of cellophane in red and cyan were used to observe the three-dimensional effect. It is important to point out that this material is easy to make, has a low cost and results in significant improvement to the learning process of students of dentistry.