Abstract
Purpose. The aim of the present prospective study was to investigate correlations between 3D facial soft tissue scan and lateral cephalometric radiography measurements. Materials and Methods. The study sample comprised 312 subjects of Caucasian ethnic origin. Exclusion criteria were all the craniofacial anomalies, noticeable asymmetries, and previous or current orthodontic treatment. A cephalometric analysis was developed employing 11 soft tissue landmarks and 14 sagittal and 14 vertical angular measurements corresponding to skeletal cephalometric variables. Cephalometric analyses on lateral cephalometric radiographies were performed for all subjects. The measurements were analysed in terms of their reliability and gender-age specific differences. Then, the soft tissue values were analysed for any correlations with lateral cephalometric radiography variables using Pearson correlation coefficient analysis. Results. Low, medium, and high correlations were found for sagittal and vertical measurements. Sagittal measurements seemed to be more reliable in providing a soft tissue diagnosis than vertical measurements. Conclusions. Sagittal parameters seemed to be more reliable in providing a soft tissue diagnosis similar to lateral cephalometric radiography. Vertical soft tissue measurements meanwhile showed a little less correlation with the corresponding cephalometric values perhaps due to the low reproducibility of cranial base and mandibular landmarks.
Highlights
Skeletal and dental components are of great importance in craniofacial diagnosis and orthodontic treatment planning [1]
Inclusion criteria were Caucasian ethnic origin, age between 20 and 30 years to avoid errors arising from soft tissue laxity which might increase with age, and normal body mass index (BMI) [17]
Low, and high correlations were found for sagittal parameters and vertical parameters in assessment of correlation with the corresponding lateral cephalometric radiography measurements previously assigned (Tables 3 and 4)
Summary
Skeletal and dental components are of great importance in craniofacial diagnosis and orthodontic treatment planning [1]. Hard tissue is routinely evaluated by means of lateral cephalometric radiography collected by clinicians prior to orthodontic therapy. Facial soft tissue analysis is assuming a relevant role in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning, since clinicians need to carefully assess the effects of dental and skeletal changes on the soft tissue profile when managing orthodontic treatment in order to estimate facial changes along with occlusal improvements [2]. Soft tissue analysis might represent an important source of treatment outcome evaluation and additional information for diagnosis. Cephalometric analysis of lateral radiography is spreading among orthodontists, its role in diagnosis and treatment planning is still debated [3]. The fundamental principles of justification, optimization, and dose limitation should always be considered when radiographic examinations are performed at the beginning of the orthodontic treatment
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