A Complete Guide to Replacing Wrapped Text on a 3D Jaw With Teeth Using SelfCAD
3D modeling and scanning are transforming how educators, students, and schools interact with complex topics like human anatomy. One common use in classrooms today is working with 3D scanned models of the human jaw and teeth to teach structure, function, and form. However, many scanned models come with wrapped or embedded text that may not be relevant, helpful, or even clear. This can make educational use of the model less effective.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk you step by step through how to remove or replace wrapped text on 3D scanned models—specifically a jaw with teeth—using SelfCAD, an intuitive and browser-based 3D modeling tool. This article is designed especially for teachers, students, and anyone in the education sector looking to clean up and customize 3D anatomical models for classroom use or 3D printing.
The Importance of Clean and Clear Educational 3D Models
Scanned 3D models often include unwanted text or engravings, especially when they come from external sources or are generated using automatic scanning software. This wrapped text might include:
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Manufacturer labels
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Scan numbers or IDs
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Watermarks
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Misplaced annotations
While such information might be useful in technical or research settings, it creates visual noise in educational environments. Students learning anatomy need clarity and simplicity, especially when identifying parts of the jaw like the mandible, molars, incisors, and premolars. Clean models allow for better:
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Visualization
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Labeling
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Annotation
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Printing
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Student engagement
In short, if a model is visually confusing, it can weaken the educational impact.
Steps to Replace Wrapped Text on 3D Scanned Objects in SelfCAD
Getting Started with SelfCAD
SelfCAD is an excellent modeling tool for education. It runs in a browser, is beginner-friendly, and includes powerful tools for cleaning, sculpting, and editing 3D models. It also supports STL and OBJ files, the most common formats for scanned models.
To get started:
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Visit www.selfcad.com
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Create a free account
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Launch the 3D editor
Once you're in the editor, you'll see your workspace, tools on the left, file options on top, and properties on the right. Take a few minutes to explore the interface.
One of the most helpful aspects of SelfCAD, especially for beginners, is the wealth of easy-to-follow interactive tutorials and beginner videos available right within the platform. Whether you're just learning how to import a model or trying advanced sculpting techniques, SelfCAD provides step-by-step instructions that make learning smooth and less intimidating. This makes it an ideal choice for students and teachers alike who are new to 3D modeling but eager to create and explore with confidence.
Steps of Replacing the Text Using SelfCAD
In this section, you will learn how to replace the default serial number added by your 3D scanner. This article also teaches other important tips and tricks needed for editing 3D scanned objects in SelfCAD.
First step, launch SelfCAD and open the workspace:
From the top toolbar, on the File menu, click Import to import an object:
Click Load Object from Tutorial to an object:
The next step is to simplify the object. As you can see on the right panel, you realize that there are over 365k faces. From the Modify category, choose Simplify Object:
Set the Intensity to 5 and tick the check mark to finalize the operation:
From the Modify category, choose Cut With Plane:
Set Bottom/Top Plane Offset to 20:
Set Copy Profile to true, and tick the check mark to finalize the operation:
On the right panel, activate the Inverse Selection:
On the toolbar, from the Modify category, choose Cut With Plane:
From the plane list, select Back/Front plane:
Rotate Y by setting it to -50, and set the Back/Front Plane Offset to 120:
Set the Split Objects to true, and then tick the check mark to finalize the Cut With Plane:
Click the delete button to delete the selected part:
Selected the shape below and choose Isolate as shown on the right panel:
Click on the Isolate button to isolate the selected objects:
From the Drawing category, choose 3D Sketch:
From the tools panel, choose Line, and click on the highlighted point:
Draw the line as shown below and click “X” to close the panel:
From the Utilities category, select Geometry Clean:
Set the Remove Duplicates and Remove Inner Edges to true:
Tick the check mark to finalize the operation:
On the right panel, activate the Edge Selection and use it to select the edge highlighted below. Then click Delete to do away with the edge:
Then click yes to delete the edge:
From the Modify category, select the Simplify Object:
Set the Intensity to 5 and tick the check mark to finalize:
On the toolbar, from the Modify category, select the Add Thickness:
Set the Thickness to -10 and then tick the check mark to finalize the Add thickness:
From the Modify category, select Extrusion:
Set the Amount to -20:
Tick the check mark to finalize the extrusion:
Set the rendering mode to Solid + Wireframe:
From the Tools category, select Magic Fix:
Set the Detail Level to 100:
Tick the check mark to finalize the magic fix:
Then on the toolbar, from the Modify category, select Simplify Object:
Set the Intensity to 5, and tick the check mark to finalize the operation:
Set the rendering mode to Solid:
Click Show to show the earlier hidden object:
Select the earlier imported object. On the right panel select Color Picker, and go to the Picker option to customize the color. Click on the highlighted point on the object and click ok to apply the color:
Select the two objects as shown below, and then on the toolbar, select the Stitch and Scoop and choose Difference:
Select mesh_1 to subtract it. Tick the check mark to finalize the difference:
Click Hide the object:
On the right panel, activate the Edge Selection and select the edges highlighted below. Then click the delete button to delete them:
Click yes to delete the edges:
On the right panel, activate the Face Selection and select the highlighted faces below. Click delete to delete the selected faces:
Click yes to delete the faces:
From the Modify category, select Add Thickness:
Set the Thickness to 2, and set the Add Connections to false. Tick the checkmark to finalize the Add Thickness:
Click to select the faces shown and click delete to delete them:
Click yes to delete them:
From the Generators category, select Text Generator:
Set Text to Add a new serial number, Rotation Y to 180:
Tick the check mark to finalize the text:
Select the object on the right panel, which becomes the path that the text follows. Then from the Tools category, select the Follow Path tool:
Set the mode to Wrap and tick the check mark to finalize the Follow path:
Click Isolate from the View menu on the top toolbar:
Click show to show the difference_1:
Then click on the Color picker icon:
Select the grey color and click ok:
From the Tools category, select Magic Fix:
Set the Details Level to 100 and then tick the check mark to finalize the magic fix:
On the Modify category, select Simplify Object:
Set the Intensity to 5 and tick the check mark to simplify the object:
Select the text mesh and the object. On the toolbar, select Stitch and Scoop tool. Choose Difference:
Select the mesh_2 text to subtract it. Tick the check mark to finalize the difference:
There you go:
The necessity of editing 3D scans varies depending on factors such as scan quality, intended use, and desired fidelity. However, advancements in scanning technology and software algorithms have reduced the need for extensive manual editing in many cases.
Educational Applications and Classroom Use
Now that you have a refined 3D jaw model, here are ways to use it:
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Interactive Learning: Pass the printed model around to help students explore jaw anatomy
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Labeling Exercises: Ask students to match names to physical parts
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Comparative Study: Compare the cleaned model with a version that includes the original wrapped text to highlight the importance of clarity
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Digital Presentations: Use screenshots or live SelfCAD display in lessons
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Assessment: Ask students to create their own labeled version using SelfCAD
This hands-on, visual learning style supports deeper understanding and retention.