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3D View: volume, surface and tools

The 3D View reconstructs the CBCT volume in three dimensions. It is the most visually striking view to show the patient, plan surgery or present a case.

Volume vs. Surface

CBCTHub offers two 3D render modes. Choose according to the case:

  • Volume (Volume Rendering): render with transparencies — you see bone, teeth and soft tissue by density. Ideal to show the patient because it looks “real”.
  • Surface (Iso-surface, Marching Cubes): only structures above a threshold. Clean “isolated bone” result. Best for surgical planning and STL export.

Clipping planes

To see inside the volume, activate the Clip tool. Three sliders (X / Y / Z) let you virtually cut the model. Works in both modes.

TipSliders are labeled Sides, Depth and Height so they are intuitive without thinking about axes.

Spherical eraser (Surface mode)

In Surface mode, the 3D spherical eraser lets you erase regions of the model by dragging a sphere with the cursor. Useful for:

  • Remove chin rest or head support from the scanner.
  • Erase distracting artifacts for patient viewing.
  • Visually isolate a specific area.

Brightness and contrast

In Volume mode, the Settings panel (vertical popover) has brightness (±1500) and contrast (20-500%) sliders applied to all volume actors. In Surface mode they are called “Parameters” and control material opacity and color.

Preset views

Floating bar at the bottom with standard views: Front / Back / Right / Left / Top / Bottom. One click takes you exactly to that orientation. You can also save your own custom view.

3D annotations

On the 3D View you can place notes, measurements in mm and angles anchored to 3D space — they stay in the correct position when you rotate the model.

NotaThe 3D model generation is cached in your browser (IndexedDB). The first time takes 5-15 seconds depending on volume size; subsequent times are instant.
CasoShow the case to the patient

1. Activate Volume mode. Apply the Bone preset or raise brightness so it looks white/light.

2. Use Clip to show only the relevant area (e.g.: only upper maxilla).

3. Erase the chin rest with the spherical eraser if needed.

4. Rotate gently so the patient sees the problem from different angles.

5. Mark the specific area with an anchored note (“The implant will go here”).