Augmented Reality-Assisted System for Tooth Carving Training in Dental Education

Summary

The Augmented Reality-Assisted Tooth Carving System (AR-ATCS) recognizes 3D object markers and superimposes a virtual tooth model onto a real wax block, providing a three-dimensional visual reference to assist novice dental students during tooth carving.

Abstract

The goal of this protocol is to enhance dental anatomy education by developing and applying an augmented reality-assisted tooth-carving system (AR-ATCS). Tooth morphology is a fundamental component of dental education, requiring students to master complex three-dimensional (3D) anatomical structures and functional landmarks that are essential for clinical procedures such as restorative dentistry and endodontic treatment. Traditionally, these skills are acquired through wax-block carving exercises; however, this approach is often limited by low instructional efficiency and a substantial cognitive gap when students attempt to translate two-dimensional (2D) textbook illustrations into three-dimensional physical structures. To address these challenges, this protocol describes integrating augmented reality (AR) technology into manual tooth-carving training. The system uses three-dimensional object tracking and computer vision algorithms to superimpose a high-fidelity virtual 3D tooth model onto the physical workspace. By recognizing dedicated tracking markers with a mobile device camera, the system projects a digital guide at the correct scale and orientation directly onto the wax block. This virtual-to-physical alignment enables students to visualize the target tooth morphology in real time and identify deviations in their carving progress as they occur. The protocol provides a detailed workflow for establishing the AR environment, aligning virtual models with physical materials, and using the system as a self-guided training tool. By delivering interactive, multi-angle visual feedback, the system reduces dependence on continuous instructor demonstrations and minimizes the impact of irreversible carving errors. Overall, this AR-assisted approach provides a supplementary visual guidance tool for traditional dental anatomy training by supporting novice students during tooth carving and offering a more efficient framework for practicing tooth morphology.

Introduction

Dental morphology is a core component of dental education, aiming to help students systematically understand tooth anatomical morphology and its three-dimensional structural characteristics^1,2. Tooth carving practice, as an important part of dental morphology teaching, not only reflects students’ mastery of tooth anatomy but also trains their manual dexterity and operative skills^3,4. It provides an essential foundation for clinical practice, particularly in prosthodontic treatment^2,5.

....

Protocol

1. Establishment of the standard digital tooth model

NOTE: In this protocol, the left mandibular first molar was used as the target tooth to demonstrate the feasibility of the AR-assisted tooth-carving workflow. For other tooth positions, the workflow can be applied after importing the corresponding standard tooth digital model and redefining its spatial relationship with the three-dimensional object marker. This step takes approximately 10 min.

1. Chamber scanning of the standard tooth model
   1. Prepare the standard tooth model.
      NOTE: In this protocol, use a standard tooth model compatible with a 2....

Results

The AR-ATCS successfully recognized the three-dimensional object-tracking marker on the base and stably superimposed the virtual tooth model onto the corresponding position on the wax block in real time. The virtual model accurately represented major anatomical structures, morphological boundaries, and surface contours, including the cusps, fossae, and grooves, marginal ridges, axial surface contours, and crown outline. When the base was rotated slowly, and the tracking marker remained unobstructed, stable registration b.......

Discussion

Dental anatomy education has evolved over time, adopting a classical teaching model that combines theoretical instruction with practical training. An accurate understanding of tooth anatomical morphology is an important foundation for oral clinical practice, particularly in procedures related to prosthodontic treatment, endodontic treatment, occlusal reconstruction, and implant restoration. Therefore, researchers have continuously explored new teaching methods and technologies to support the establishment of anatomical k.......

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
3D Scanner	SHINING 3D	AutoScanEPCG-BD032G26	Used for three-dimensional scanning of the standard wax tooth.
Camera	Intal RealSense	D415	Used to acquire the real-time visual field for recognition of the three-dimensional object marker.
Dental wax carving instrument			Carve the wax block.
E3D CMF	Hunan Liuwei Jinghang Digital Technology Co., Ltd., Hunan, China.	https://www.e3d-med.com/	AR navigation software.
FDM 3D printer	Bambu Lab	31B8BP631300564	Used to fabricate the wax-block carrier base and three-dimensional object tracking marker.
Geomagic Wrap	3D Systems Corporation	version 2021	Used to process the three-dimensional scan data of the standard wax tooth.
PLA filament	Bambu Lab	10105	Used for FDM 3D printing.
SOLIDWORKS	Dassault Systèmes	version 2025	Used for three-dimensional modeling of the wax-block carrier base and object tracking marker.
Wax block			Tooth carving practice.