Abstract
The aim of this study was to subjectively evaluate computer-generated soft tissue profile prediction in patients who underwent orthognathic surgery for mandibular advancement by comparing Dolphin Imaging and Dentofacial Planner Plus softwares and, consequently, if its usage is acceptable as a patient communication and education tool during the treatment plan. After Baylor College of Dentistry Institutional Review Board approval, twelve patients with mandibular hypoplasia in the preoperative and at least five months postoperative period were selected and given a participation explanation and consent form to sign for being part of the study. Postoperative pictures were taken from each patient at that moment. A group of 100 dentists (50 oral-maxillofacial surgeons and 50 orthodontists) compared prediction images generated by both softwares to actual postoperative images by rating each simulation relative to the actual outcome on a 5-point scale for overall profile and individual facial areas on a side-by-side presentation. All data were submitted to statistical analysis using chi-square and Student t tests with P<.05. The results showed that: 1) Dolphin Imaging software was rated better than Dentofacial Planner Plus software at the scale “very good” with a very significant statistical difference (P=.0083), and slightly better at the scale “excellent” with not quite significant statistical difference (P=.0627); 2) For the scale “good,” there was no statistical difference (P=.5125) between the two softwares; and, 3) Dentofacial Planner Plus received the greatest rates at the scales “fair” and “poor” with a statistically significant difference of P=.0065 and P=.0035 respectively. Thus, according to the methodology and data obtained it is possible to conclude that to mandibular advancement images: Dolphin Imaging provides better soft tissue profile prediction compared to Dentofacial Planner Plus, although both softwares were well accepted to soft tissue profile prediction, which suggests that both of them can be used as a communication tool with the patient during the treatment plan.
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