Research needs data that can be reviewed; teaching needs a process that can be explained clearly. Both settings may buy the same device, but the combination of model and software, and the way it is used, are not the same.
1. First separate three types of needs
"Research" and "teaching" are often written together on a procurement list, but the problems to solve are different:
| Setting | What matters | Typical output |
|---|---|---|
| Aesthetic research and quantitative assessment | Change in facial proportions, volume and contour over time | Metrics, reports, exportable 3D models |
| Oral and maxillofacial research | Spatial relationships between bone, dentition and soft tissue | Registered virtual patients, cephalometric and bone-surface measurements |
| Teaching and schools | Demonstration efficiency, multi-user operation, report readability | The full workflow from scanning to report, case comparison |
Classify the needs first, then discuss models; this works better than comparing specifications directly.
2. Aesthetic research and quantitative assessment: P6 or 800 + 3D digital plastic surgery system
For face-focused projects, the MVS-P6 is commonly used: 3D measurement accuracy of ±0.05mm, 72 megapixels, three modules and a whole scan in under 2 seconds. It suits high-accuracy capture that needs a stable protocol and repeated re-capture.
When the face and chest need to be observed under the same protocol, the MVS-800 can be used: 3D measurement accuracy of ±0.1mm, 24 megapixels, a dual face-and-chest system, a whole scan in under 2 seconds and model generation in under 15 seconds.
The software is the 3D digital plastic surgery system throughout: 60 facial indicators, curvature maps, reports, color, cross-section and multi-view comparison, with OBJ, STL and PLY export. Study design has to fix the indicators and conventions before capture; they cannot be added afterwards.
3. Oral and maxillofacial research: P6HD + 3D digital facial scanning system
Oral and maxillofacial projects usually need to look at bone, dentition and soft tissue together. The MVS-P6HD is commonly used: 3D measurement accuracy of ±0.05mm, blue-light imaging, three modules, DICOM input support and a whole scan in under 2 seconds.
The software is the 3D digital facial scanning system: dental model and DICOM import, bone-surface measurement, cephalometric analysis, smile design and multi-model time-series comparison. Projects on orthognathic surgery, orthodontics, cleft lip and palate and maxillofacial asymmetry all depend on this registration relationship.
Keep a record of registration: which reference points were selected, which registration method was used and what the error range was. Registration without a record is hard to explain when the work is reproduced.
4. Teaching and schools: 800 + 3D digital plastic surgery system
In teaching settings, what matters is explaining clearly. The MVS-800's dual face-and-chest system, fast capture and intuitive models suit classroom demonstrations of the full workflow from scanning and analysis to report.
The 3D digital plastic surgery system can display up to 8 models on one screen, which makes it easier to explain before-and-after comparison and differences between cases. Reports can be projected directly, so students see the same indicators and views.
School procurement also has to consider staff: standard on-site training runs for 2 working days, and appointing a lead teacher plus a backup operator is recommended, so that the device is not left idle after a staff change. Teaching use also requires de-identification, so that identifiable facial data is not used in public demonstrations.
5. A matching table
| Setting | Common model | Software platform | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aesthetic research and quantitative assessment | MVS-P6, MVS-800 | 3D digital plastic surgery system | Accuracy tier, indicator conventions, export formats |
| Oral and maxillofacial research | MVS-P6HD | 3D digital facial scanning system | DICOM input, registration records, bone and soft-tissue relationships |
| Teaching and schools | MVS-800 | 3D digital plastic surgery system | Demonstration efficiency, multi-user operation, report readability |
This table shows common combinations, not the only answer. When a project spans two types of needs, choose by data conventions rather than by the number of devices.
6. Four things to settle first in a research setting
Before the device arrives, write these four items into the protocol; it will save a lot of rework later:
- Capture protocol: the same device, the same distance, the same posture and the same expression.
- Repeatability: scan the same subject 3 times in a row and compare the differences in models and indicators.
- Data management: naming rules, export formats, backup location and permissions.
- Consent and retention: subject awareness, data use and retention period; de-identify before external display.
7. Two items easily overlooked at purchase
The software is licensed by USB dongle; a single device comes with one software license and one dongle by default. Simultaneous use at multiple workstations or departments requires a synchronized port, which is a paid add-on.
Training differs by series: the P6 and 800 series are trained on site over 2 working days; the M2N and M6 series are trained online and remotely. Refresher and advanced training are charged at the standard rate; specific configurations and service terms are subject to the contract.
Related pages: 3D digital plastic surgery system, 3D digital facial scanning system, MVS-P6, MVS-800, MVS-P6HD; industry scenarios: Quantitative assessment, School education.
This article describes scenarios and configurations and does not constitute medical or research advice; specific parameters, software modules and service terms are subject to the product function table, the user manual and the contract.