Evaluating Three-Dimensional Soft Tissue Modifications in Young Adult Female Individuals Using Arranged Light Scanner

Abstract

Objective: To use structured light-based scanners to assess the three-dimensional (3D) perioral soft tissue alterations following orthodontic treatment in patients with dentoalveolar protrusion. Supplies and Procedures: Examined were forty-four adult Koreans (19 men and 25 women, ages 21.4 and 3.4 years) whose dentoalveolar protrusion was treated by extraction of all four first premolars, followed by en masse retraction using the strongest anchoring. 3D facial scans and lateral cephalograms were taken both prior to treatment (T1) and right after debonding (T2). Following superimposition, 27 perioral landmarks were found. The assessment focused on the three-dimensional alterations in the landmarks and the soft tissue's migration ratio in relation to the horizontal incisal tip. One-way analysis of variance and paired t-test were used.  Results: Retraction of the lower incisors was 4.62 mm and that of the upper incisors was 5.76 mm (P,.001). Both the lower and upper lips shifted superoposteriorly and inferoposteriorly, respectively. Movement upward was larger than movement backward in the lower lip (P,.001). The largest bulging area showed the most noticeable modifications. For the upper lip area, the relative ratios were 42%–53% and 22%–82%, respectively. The corners of the lips shifted superoposteriorly (P,.001). The landmarks beneath the nostrils shifted upward and posteriorly (P,.001), while the subnasale moved downwards (P,.05) and posteriorly (P,.001). Conclusion;  3D perioral soft tissue in individuals with dentoalveolar protrusion was effectively assessed using facial scans obtained from white structured light scanners. There was noticeable vertical lip movement as well as backward movement. The nasal and lip angle areas showed considerable changes.