3D Data Editor

Scan Data Editor

Using the Scan Data Editor, you can crop meshes, close holes, and divide one mesh into multiple meshes. You can use it to edit mesh data (e.g. jaw scan) or to fix problems in the mesh prior to model creation.
Access the Scan Data Editor by clicking a mesh and selecting Scan Data Editor in the Expert toolbar, or by right clicking a mesh and selecting Edit mesh in the context menu.

Use the option Mark triangles [A] and select areas of the scan by left-clicking points to highlight area(s) of the scan you want to edit. Double-click the last point to complete the outline.

You can select the surface(s) to be affected by the outline you draw, this should be done prior to the editing action:

• [1] Select straight through will highlight all surfaces, even those hidden behind the visible surface
• [2] Select only surface will highlight only the visible surface(s) and ignore any surfaces hidden behind
• [3] Select by click on surface is useful to choose one of many overlapping surfaces

[4] You can define selections globally without drawing an outline:

• All will highlight all surfaces of the scan
• None will clear all existing selections
• Invert reverses the highlighted and non-highlighted regions of the scan

• Click the three dots … [5] to expand the options:

• • Cut [6] will cut the part of the mesh you have marked. The marked part of the mesh will not be deleted. Instead, a new mesh will be created which is then shown in a list in the 3D Data Editor window.
  • Divide [7] separates each area of highlighted scan data into a separate surface.
  • Delete [8] will remove all of the highlighted surfaces.
  • Crop [9] will remove all of the non-highlighted surfaces, preserving only the highlighted surface.
  • Close Holes [10] will look for completely highlighted holes, and close them with artificially generated surfaces, interpolated from surrounding edges.
    
    

It is common in some scan types to have intersections (overlapping data) between the upper and lower scan, the maximum intrusion is displayed [11] if this checkbox is active, a color scale corresponds to the depth of the intersection.

[12] Repair will automatically adapt the model scan to create an intimate contact with the intersecting surface.

To unmark areas, re-select the area while holding SHIFT.

In case you have removed/changed too much in a scan, use Undo or Cancel to revert all unwanted changes.

• Select Clean edge [B] if you wish to make a precise cut with a clean edge. To use this tool, draw a polygon by clicking directly on the mesh to place points, close it by either double-clicking or clicking again on the initial point. When using this mode, the polygon appears as a green line.
  • [1] Edit through will select all surfaces, even those hidden behind the visible surface
  • [2] Edit surface will select only the visible surface(s) and ignore any surfaces hidden behind
  • [3] clear polygon will clear all existing selections
    
    
• Click the three dots … [4] to expand the options:
  • Cut [5] will cut the part of the mesh you have marked. The marked part of the mesh will not be deleted. Instead, a new mesh will be created which is then shown in a list in the 3D Data Editor window.
  • Divide [6] separates each area of highlighted scan data into a separate surface.
  • Bridge gap [7] connects gaps between meshes and separated parts. Below you can see an example of the difference between bridge gap and close holes.
  • Delete [8] will remove all the highlighted surfaces.
  • Crop [9] will remove all the non-highlighted surfaces, preserving only the highlighted surface.
  • Close Holes [10] will look for completely highlighted holes, and close them with artificially generated surfaces, interpolated from surrounding edges.

3D Data Editor

The Scan Data Editor enables users to modify part types that are directly related to scan data. These include jaw scans, pre-operative scans, wax-up scans, and antagonist scans. However, it does not permit modifications to generated parts or to other unrelated part types, such as face scans.

The 3D Scan Data Editor , allows users to modify all part types. This includes not only scan-related parts but also generated parts and face scans.

The image below highlights the differences when selecting all parts using the Scan Data Editor [A] compared to the 3D Scan Data Editor [B].

The 3D Data Editor has the same tools as the previously explained Scan Data Editor except the “Repair Scan intersections”, which is exclusive to Scan Data Editor. Take a look above.

Q&A

How do I quickly close holes in a scan?
Right-click the mesh and choose "Scan Data Editor". Use "Mark triangles" to outline the hole completely. Then click select "Close Holes". This fills the hole with a smooth surface based on the surrounding shape.

Which tool lets me cut a scan with a defined edge?
To cut a scan with a defined, straight line use the "Clean edge" tool in the "Scan Data Editor". This tool lets you draw a precise polygon directly on the mesh by clicking to place points; the selection appears as a green outline. Use options like Cut, Crop, or Delete to modify the mesh along that clean boundary.

Why does my scan look inside-out or backwards, and how do I fix it?
If your scan looks inside-out, or has strange shading, it’s likely having bad surface orientation. To fix it, go to the Scan Data Editor, then right click on the mesh, click “Show triangle orientation” followed by right click again and “Invert triangle orientation”. For a more detailed instructions, refer to Fixing bad surface orientation in scan data.