Total Facial Height Research Articles

The Concept of Ideal Lips of Caucasian Female: An Anthropometric Analysis of the Lower Third of the Face.

The demand for lip-redefining procedures has been rising in recent years, thus creating the need for reliable and detailed reference sources on aesthetic female lips. This study investigates the morphology of the lower third of the face, including the lips and jawline, of attractive young Caucasian females. A semi-automatic photogrammetric analysis of the faces of professional female photograph models (n=400) of the Caucasian race aged 18-39 was performed. Angular, linear, and surface area parameters were evaluated. A graphical summarization of the average facial shape of all analyzed attractive females was generated as an average body contours (ABC) image. The height of the lower third of the face equaled 0.32 ± 0.02 of the total facial height. The average lip width was 48.06 ± 3.34mm. The upper vermilion height was found to be significantly lower than the lower vermilion height (6.47 ± 1.36 vs. 11.64 ± 1.46mm, p < 0.01). The lip obliquity angle was found to be 1.05° ± 0.79°. The area surface of the upper lip vermilion was considerably smaller than the vermilion of the lower lip (p < 0.01). This is one of the largest studies on attractive Caucasian females' lips and lower face morphology. The data it provides, including the graphical presentation of the aesthetic lower face as an ABC image, may provide physicians with valuable guidelines for lips rejuvenation and reconstruction procedures. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Comparative evaluation of buccolingual inclination of molars in low-angle cases and high-angle cases using manual technique- A pilot study

The general feature of occlusal curvature, when viewed from the front, consists of a buccal inclination of the maxillary molars and a lingual inclination of the mandibular molars. The fourth key of Andrew’s six keys of occlusion is related to the curve of Wilson, describing the posterior inclination of the crowns of the lower posterior teeth as a concave curve, setting the molars with a lingual torque. Facial skeletal characteristics of subjects with a vertical growth pattern include increased total face height, especially the lower anterior face height, high mandibular plane angle, clockwise mandibular rotation, short mandibular ramus, and high gonial angle. Opposite aspects are present in subjects with a horizontal growth pattern. This study aimed to measure the buccolingual inclination of maxillary first molars in low-angle and high-angle cases using a manual technique. 20 subjects with permanent dentition were divided into 2 groups. Group I comprises 10 subjects with a low-angle case (proportionally short lower anterior facial height) and group II with a high-angle case (proportionally long lower anterior facial height). The buccolingual inclination of 1st molar was assessed on model casts.The maxillary posterior teeth of subjects with a vertical growth pattern (group II) had a significantly greater buccal inclination compared with those of subjects with a horizontal growth pattern (group I).

Length of cranial base and total face height in cephalograms for sex estimation in Indonesia

Background: Sex estimation is the first step in identifying bodies following disasters or accidents. Craniometric analysis of lateral cephalograms can be used in the process. Among the measurements that can be used are the length of cranial base, determined by Basion–Nasion (Ba-N) length, and the total face height, determined by the Nasion–Menton (N-M) length, which can highlight significant differences between men and women. Purpose: This study aimed to determine the differences in length of cranial base and total face height measurements between men and women and to demonstrate how these two measurements can be used for sex estimation in the Indonesian population. Methods: This cross-sectional study employed a patient database from the dental hospital of Universitas Gadjah Mada. The study sample consisted of 116 cephalograms taken of 58 men and 58 women aged 20–40 years. The linear measurements were taken using EzDent-I Vatech software. Results: The mean cranial base length measurements in the men and women groups were 103.83 ± 4.37 and 96.01 ± 3.80 mm, respectively, whereas the total face height measurements were 121.03 ± 7.26 and 111.23 ± 5.09 mm, respectively. The Mann–Whitney U-Test revealed a significant difference (p &lt; 0.05) between the groups. Logistic regression showed that the two measurements can be used to form an equation for sex estimation with an accuracy of 88.8%. Conclusion: Length of cranial base (Ba-N) and total face height (N-M) measurements from lateral cephalograms can accurately be used for sex estimation. Further research among specific populations is required to develop accurate methods for sex estimation employing morphometric examination on radiographs.

Evaluation of the skeletal and dental effects of a hybrid aesthetic functional appliance (HAF) in skeletal class II division 1 malocclusion: A prospective uncontrolled clinical trial.

The present study investigated the skeletal and dental effect in class II division I growing patients due to mandibular deficiency treated with the hybrid aesthetic functional (HAF) appliance. A sample of 16 growing patients (5 boys and 11 girls; mean age: 9.50 years, standard deviation: 1.15) with class II division I malocclusion were treated using the HAF appliance for an average period of 10±3 months. For each patient, a cephalometric radiograph was taken before and after treatment, and digital analysis was applied using the WebCeph program. The statistical analysis was performed to evaluate dental and skeletal changes associated with the HAF appliance and determine if there were any statistically significant variations in anatomical measurements between the start and completion of the treatment. The data showed a significant increase in SNB angle (P=0.002), leading to a significant decrease in ANB angle (P=0.001). The mandibular length significantly increased (P=0.008), the lower incisors were flared significantly (P=0.028), and the lower molars were extruded significantly (P≤0.001). Also, this study revealed a significant decrease in Wits appraisal (P≤0.001), overjet (P≤0.001), and overbite (P=0.041). Additionally, a significant increase in lower anterior facial height (P≤0.001), total facial height (P=0.001), and posterior facial height (P=0.037) were observed. The HAF appliance showed that it could be used to correct class II division 1 skeletal discrepancy by mandibular advancement. The HAF appliance increased all facial heights significantly.

Evaluation of the External Soft Tissue Changes Following the Correction of Class II Skeletal Malocclusion in the Adolescence Period Using Removable and Fixed Functional Appliances: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

In this systematic review, we aimed to assess the current evidence regarding the effectiveness of functional treatment with both removable and fixed appliances to normalize the external soft tissue for skeletal class II adolescent individuals. We performed a broad electronic search to retrieve relevant studies from nine databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) that investigated soft tissue changes following functional treatment and evaluated the changes using 2D lateral cephalometric radiographsand 3D-optical surface laser scanning. A total of three RCTs and eight CCTs were included. Ages ranged from 11 to 16 years with the fixed functional appliances, and from eight to 12 years with the removable ones, including 689 skeletal class II patients. Version 2 of Cochran's risk-of-bias (RoB2), and the risk of bias in non-randomized studies of interventions (ROBIN-I) were used to assess the risk of bias for the included papers. Of the 11 eligible studies, three studies were included in the meta-analysis to assess the upper and lower lip position in relation to the E-line (Ricketts's aesthetic line) in addition to the nasolabial angle. The meta-analysis showed that the upper lip retracted after functional treatment with Twin-block in relation to E-line (mean difference (MD) = -1.93; 95% CI: -2.37, -1.50; p < 0.00001; χ² = 5.43; p = 0.07; I2 = 63%), while the lower lip position did not change after functional treatment with Twin-block in relation to E-line (MD = 0.03; 95% CI: -0.56, 0.61; p = 0.92; χ² = 1.74; p = 0.42; I2 = 0%). The nasolabial angle increased after Twin-block treatment (MD = 5.75; 95% CI: 4.57, 6.93;p < 0.00001; χ² = 6.77; p = 0.03; I2 = 70%). The mentolabial angle and Z-angle also increased after functional therapy, where the facial convexity angle decreased, regardless of the functional devices used. On the other hand, using the 3D-optical surface laser scanning showed that the upper lip length and the commissural width did not change following therapy, but the lower lip increased in length, as well as the total face height. More high-quality RCTs are required to obtain accurate evidence in this field.

An evaluation of cephalometric predictors of anterior open bite; An assessment of dental and skeletal parameters in an orthodontic population.

Anterior open bite (AOB) malocclusion is one of the highly challenging malocclusions. Cephalometric radiographs have been used for the diagnosis of occlusal anomalies in the vertical and anteroposterior directions. This study aims to compare skeletal and dental features in open and non-open bite subjects to identify factors that help predict and categorize open bites in a Nigerian population. Pretreatment cephalometric radiographs of 82 patients were recruited into this study. This study comprised 41 AOB patients and 41 (Class 1 malocclusion) patients (control group). The radiographs were obtained from the orthodontic unit, Department of Child Dental Health of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba Lagos. Cephalometric tracing and analysis of the obtained radiographs were used to identify and compare the skeletal and dental differences between the two groups. The mean age of the participants was 20.47 ± 8.05 years. The patients consisted of 26 (31.7%) males and 56 (68.3%) females. There was a significant difference in the open bite depth indicator (ODI) of the open bite (P value < 0.001). There was a statistically significant increase in the vertical skeletal parameters - lower facial height (LFH), total facial height (TFH), posterior facial height (PFH), Frankfort-mandibular plane angle (FMA), mandibular-maxillary angle (MMA), and gonial angle in the AOB group compared to the control group. The vertical height of the dentoalveolar segments measured was all significantly increased in the open bite group compared to the control group. The results suggest that the skeletal and dental vertical parameters, including ODI of the open bite subjects, varied compared with the non-open bite subjects in the Nigerian population studied and could be used to predict AOB tendency.

Evaluation and Comparison of Facial Appearance Using the Golden Ratio: An Anthropometric Study in Preschool and School-Going Children of Santhal Tribe in West Bengal.

Introduction Golden ratio and beauty are two inseparable sides of the same coin and have been studied for centuries by the Greeks. This divine ratio is defined as an invincible parameter in aesthetic dentistry to measure looks, symmetry, and balance. Being beautiful and handsome also boosts confidence in today's children and therefore is a top priority for young growing kids. However, there is no study done to define facial measurements based on the golden ratio in preschool and school-going children that can succor aesthetics in formative years. The purpose of this research was to evaluate facial proportions in the vertical dimension, quantify them in reference to the golden ratio, and analyze the association with gender among preschool and school-going children of the Santhal tribe in the Bankura district. Materials and methods A total of 399 subjects, 198 children of 3-5 years with primary teeth and 201 children of 6-12 years with mixed dentition, were selected from schools in villages of Bankura district, West Bengal, India. The subjects were made to relax in a sitting position and a digital vernier caliper was used to record the following vertical facial parameters: total facial height (TFH), trichion-gnathion distance (Tr-Gn), and subnasale-gnathion distance (Sn-Gn). The total facial height was correlated with sexual dimorphism and dentition. The ratio of Tr-Sn/Sn-Gn was calculated and compared with the golden ratio. The ratio was classified as normal (if it was between 1.6 and 1.699, i.e., normal to the golden ratio value), long (if it was more than 1.699, i.e., more than the golden ratio value), or short (if it was below 1.6, i.e., less than the golden ratio value). This facial analysis based on the golden ratio was correlated to sexual dimorphism and dentition. The data were recorded, compared with gender, and statistically analyzed using the unpaired t-test and Chi-square test. Results The total facial height was larger in males than females in both primary and mixed dentition; however, the value was highly significant in primary dentition. Tr-Sn/Sn-Gn ratios were lower in the longfacial categoryin both males and females in both preschool and school-going children. The values were statistically significant in these ratios for both dentitions. Conclusion The majority of children in the Santhal tribe of Bankura in West Bengal did not conform to the golden ratio and showed long faces. There was a significant association of facial features with sexual dimorphism. Clinical significance The early prediction of facial features in children and its confirmation with the established golden ratio can be considered an imperative parameter to comprehend facial aesthetics and symmetry.

Correlation of Canine Height to Overall Facial Height: An Observational Study

Background: Identifying individuals by determining their body parameters plays a major role in criminalinvestigation. These parameters play an integral role in the identification of a person. Teeth, particularly canines,can help in identification, as they are the most stable teeth in the oral cavity because of the labiolingual thickness of the crown and root anchorage in the alveolar process.Aim: To establish a relationship, if any between the crown length of the maxillary canine tooth and the facialheight of an adult individual and intersex differences.Materials and methods: This study was conducted at a dental college where patients reported for treatment. The study group comprised 100 participants (50 men and 50 women, aged 18-23 years. To measure the facial height,photographs were taken and analyzed using Adobe Photoshop software. The face was divided into the upper,middle and lower thirds considering the hairlines, glabella, subnasalis, and menton as reference points. The length between the hairline and glabella is the upper facial height (UFH), that between the glabella and subnasalis is the middle facial height (MFH), and that between the subnasalis and menton is the lower facial height (LFH). For tooth measurements, impressions of the upper arches were made using alginate and dental stone casts were obtained. The length between the cervical line and cusp tip is the canine height(CH) and the mesiodistal length is the canine width(CW). Measurements of teeth were recorded using digital verniercalliper. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (SSPS) version 16. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to determine the correlation between facial height and canine height.Results: Total Facial Height (TFH), Canine Height (CH), Canine Width (CW) in males and females was done using descriptive statistics. This study demonstrated a correlation between TFH and CH in both men and women. This study showed that, as TFH increased, CH also increased. Therefore, TFH and CH were directly proportional, and hence there was a correlation between TFH and CH.Conclusion: The total facial and canine heights are directly proportional to each other. There is a correlationbetween the facial height and canine height.

Facial Height and Its Effect by Tooth Wear, Age and Sex Assessed By Soft Tissue Analysis

IntroductionTooth wear is one of the major and widely accepted problem nowadays. It is the loss of dental hard tissues by these processes: attrition, abrasion and erosion. It can occur due to various factors such as abnormal tooth contact, abrasive dental hygiene habits and erosive dietary factors.MethodsFull face photographs of each subject was taken from the frontal view with a natural head position guided to true horizontal in 66 sample. All photographs were evaluated for consistency in head position and picture quality. Total facial height was subdivided into two components: upper facial height and lower facial height. Measurements of UFH and LFH and their ratio were recorded. Also tooth wear was assessed on a tooth-by-tooth basis rated according to the 5-point ordinal scale (0-4). All the data was statistically analyzed by SPSS.ResultsStatistically significant difference was found between Lower Facial Height and age group (p-value=0.02) whereas there was no statistically significant difference between UFH and RUL with age group. UFH and LFH was found to be slightly higher in females than males, however, on application of independent t-test it was found that there were no statistically significant differences between gender and facial height (p-value &gt; 0.05). Weak negative correlation was found between facial height, age and tooth wear (r=-0.24, p-value 0.052 and r-value =-0.28, p-value 0.023).ConclusionsFacial height decreases with increase in age. Upper facial height is slightly greater than lower facial height with tooth wear.

Evaluation of craniofacial anthropometry of children with β-thalassemia major in the eastern Anatolia: a case-control study.

The present study aims to compare β-thalassemia major patients and healthy individuals in terms of anthropometric characteristics and changes in craniofacial profile. Craniofacial anthropometric measurements were performed on a total of 422 subjects (199 β-thalassemia major patients and 223 healthy individuals) by using a millimetric caliper and tape measure on 19 anthropometric parameters (8 horizontal, 10 vertical, and 1 head circumference) in cranial, facial, nasal, orolabial, and orbital zones. The difference between the orbital, nasal, and orolabial zone parameters of healthy subjects and β-thalassemia major patients was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of head circumference in the cranial zone and total facial height in facial zone (n-gn) values (p˃0.05). In intragroup comparison between females and males with β-thalassemia, statistically significant differences were found in forehead width (ft-ft), forehead height (tr-gl), right eye width (R ex-ex), and upper lip height (sn-stm) (p < 0.05). Understanding the craniofacial profile changes in β-thalassemia major patients and increasing our knowledge about the relationship between the course and severity of disease and the level of these changes would contribute to the advancements in diagnoses to be made in facial and jaw zones of these patients and in the treatment plans. We believe that the analysis and results of the craniofacial anthropometric data obtained in the study will contribute to the diagnosis and treatment processes of patients with β-thalassemia major in areas of expertise such as craniofacial surgery, orthodontics, and hemato-oncology.

Associating craniofacial morphometry determined by photo analysis with somatotype in healthy young individuals

Objectives: Evaluation of the relationship between craniofacial parameters and somatotype provides important contributions to specialist physicians and anatomists in determining diseases and obtaining objective results of anthropometric measurements. The study was designed in line with this hypothesis and the aim was to find out how this relationship changed in healthy individuals. Methods: The study was conducted by examining 191 healthy individuals between the ages of 18 and 30. The individuals’ faces were photographed from a distance of 1 meter and craniofacial parameters were measured in Image J program. Somatotype analysis was conducted by using Heath-Carter somatotype method. Results: As a result of our study, the individuals were found to be grouped in four classes according to Heath-Carter somatotype method: (1) mesomorph endomorph, (2) endomorph ectomorph, (3) endomorph mesomorph and (4) central. Significant correlation was found between the second and first somatotype groups in terms of total nasal length, while significant correlation was found between second and first/second and third/fourth and third/first and third somatotype groups in terms of body mass index (BMI) parameter (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Craniofacial parameters were also evaluated and a very high correlation was found between total facial height and mandibular height, while there was a high correlation between total facial height and the other 16 parameters. Conclusions: As a result of our study, a relationship was found between somatotype groups and craniofacial parameters, within craniofacial parameters, and between somatotype and BMI. We believe that this relationship will guide morphological studies in basic medical sciences and surgical interventions in clinical sciences.

How Do the Faces of Kyrgyz Beauties Look? A Photogrammetric Analysis of Beauty Pageant Winners.

The aim of this study was to assess how the eyes of Kyrgyz beauties look through an anthropometric analysis of beauty pageant winners. Eleven winners of the Miss Kyrgyzstan contest (2011-2021) were included. Ten other beauty contest winners were added, resulting in a total of 21 beauties who were included. The horizontal corneal diameter, which is 11.75mm, was used as a standard distance. Other distances were calculated in millimeters based on the proportions of the pixels measured. Twenty-six distances (face: 10, eyebrows: 2, eyes: 4, nose: 4, lips: 4, and chin: 2) and 9 angles (forehead-brow, cantal tilt, 5 face angles, the mandible angle, and the chin angle) were measured. Thereafter, 16 indices (forehead: 1, eyes: 5, nose: 4, lips and chin: 3, and contours 3) were calculated. The forehead-brow angle was 82.2±7.2 degrees. The canthal tilt was 9.0±2.0 degrees. The overall face angles 1 and 2 were 108.6±4.1 degrees and 69.6±2.3 degrees, respectively. The midface angles 1 and 2 were 129.9±3.8 degrees and 125.1±3.9 degrees, respectively. The lower face angle was 139.6±4.1 degrees. The mandible angle and chin angle were 136.9±4.0 degrees and 106.0±4.0 degrees, respectively. The ratio of forehead height to total face height was 0.33±0.03. The ratio of nose height to total face height was 0.25±0.02. The lower face width/face width ratio was 0.82±0.05. The ratio of face width to total face height was 0.72±0.03. The ratio of midface height to total face height was 0.34±0.02. The data from this study might serve as the recommended esthetic proportions for performing plastic surgical procedures.

Analysis of Cephalometric Points in Male and Female Mandibles: An Application to Gender-Affirming Facial Surgery.

Gender-affirming facial surgery is a common intervention for transgender patients because of its ability to decrease the frequency of misgendering. Many anatomic targets can be addressed, but the mandible is the primary aspect of the lower third of the face that is manipulated during these procedures. This study's objective is to quantify the differences in cephalometric measurements between male and female mandibles on maxillofacial imaging, with the goal of identifying surgical targets for gender affirmation. A nonrandomized, retrospective, single-institution, case-control study of 387 patients who underwent maxillofacial computed tomography during 2017-2020 was performed. After excluding patients with imaging that did not capture the entire head or had deforming pathology of the face, a total of 113 patients were included. Cephalometric measurements that corresponded to areas reported by patients as sources of dysphoria were selected for analysis. These included mandibular width, ramus height, lateral flare, masseter volume, total face height, and the values of the mandibular angles in degrees. The relationship of masseter volume to the other measurements was also characterized. Significantly greater masseter volume was seen in males compared with females, and a greater masseter thickness was also seen in males. The mandibular angle was more acute in males than females. Aggregate analysis of muscle volume and thickness was positively correlated with ramus height, lateral flare, and mandibular width. Ramus, mental, and total facial height correlated directly with patient height in males but not in females. These data provide a normative baseline for planning lower facial gender-affirming surgery.

Relative importance of two bat species as pollinators of Neobuxbaumia tetetzo (Cactaceae): Evidences from morphometric and pollen load analyses

AbstractNeobuxbaumia tetetzo is a columnar cactus whose flowers are visited by the bat species Choeronycteris mexicana and Leptonycteris yerbabuenae. Although both bat species are considered the pollinators of N. tetetzo, the probability of pollination of each bat species has not been estimated. In this study, we determine the relative importance of C. mexicana and L. yerbabuenae as pollinators of N. tetetzo. The probability of pollination was estimated using two different approaches: (i) morphological correspondence between head (linear traits [total head length, snout length, and face height and width]) and cranial traits (shape traits) of bats and flower traits (linear [internal floral tube length including and excluding the nectary, corolla diameter, stamen length, style length, and corolla tube diameter] and shape traits), and (ii) pollen load analyses to estimate the percentage of occurrence (PO) and the pollination probability index (PPI). Our results showed a lack of a significant correspondence between both head and cranial traits of C. mexicana and the flowers of N. tetetzo, and linear morphological correspondence between total head length of L. yerbabuenae and flower length. Pollen loads of C. mexicana were composed by seven different pollen types, its PO and PPI were 41.87 ± 9.53% and 0.29, respectively. Leptonycteris yerbabuenae pollen loads were composed by three pollen types, with a PO of 78.29 ± 13.67% and a PPI of 0.67. Our results suggest that whereas C. mexicana has a low constancy to the flowers of N. tetetzo, L. yerbabuenae has a higher probability of pollination.

Anthropometric Measurement of Face Index in Adult Malay Population

Abstract and Aims: Anthropometry is notable for its suggestions in, human anatomy, forensic science, andphysical human studies. The purpose is to determine the facial morphologic value differences between ethnicgroups and indices among three unique races in Malaysia.Materials and methods: The cross-sectional study was led on 420 people (80 Malay male, 80 Malay female,60 Indian male, 70 Indian female, 60 Chinese male and 70 Chinese female) in the age range 18-45 years. In thisstudy digital caliper was utilized to identify the nasal landmarks. This research was conducted that the mean ofvariables were statistically significant differences in nose measurement scores among adult Malay population. Allthe average independent variables were measured and compared whether differs at the same time among race.Results: It was discovered that total face height measurements were remarkably smaller in Chinese compare toMalay and Indian. But there was no significant difference between Malay and Indian for total face height. Themeasurements of upper face height were smaller in Chinese compare to Indian and Malay. The measurementsof upper face height were larger in Malay compare to Indian. The face width was remarkably larger in Chinesecompare to Malay and Indian. But there was no major difference in Malay and Indian for face width parameters.Total face height, upper face height and face width measurement are huge larger in male than female.The face shape of Chinese was hypereuriprosopic which was short and wide while shape of Malay and Indianwere intermediate. The face shape of Malay was Euriprosopic and Mesoprosopic. The face shape of Indian wasMesoprosopic and Leptoprosopic. There was not a significant difference in face index between male and female.Conclusion: The statistically significant difference in facial measurement and face index were found among adultMalay population.

Cephalometric analysis of parents of patients with cleft lip and/or palate.

Cleft lip and/or palate (CL ± P) or isolated cleft palate (CP) are the most common congenital malformations of the face. Although there have been advances in prenatal diagnosis and the discovery of genetic markers, there has been no breakthrough in the identification of parents at risk of giving birth to achild with acleft. To determine apossible phenotypic difference in the craniofacial morphology of parents of children with CL ± P and to investigate whether cephalometric analysis can help identify parents at risk of giving birth to achild with acleft. Cephalometric data of 25sets of parents having children with CL ± P were compared with that of 25sets of parents of children without CL ± P. The study population was indigenous to North Karnataka. In all, 10linear, 2angular, and 5triangular measurements were made on lateral cephalograms and compared using an unpaired t‑test. The length of the posterior cranial base (S-Ba) in mothers was smaller in the study compared to the control group. Total facial height (N-Me) both in fathers and in the group with both parents, upper facial height in the group with both parents, and lower facial height (ANS-Me) in fathers was smaller in the study than in the control group. The area of the nasopharyngeal triangle (S-PNS-Ba) in mothers and that of the anterior maxillary triangle (S-N-A) in fathers was smaller in the study group than in the control group. Parents of children with CL ± P showed variations in craniofacial morphology. Future research correlating cephalometric findings with genetic studies may indicate whether cephalometric analysis can be an adjunct to genetic tests for risk prediction among susceptible parents.

Effectiveness of low-level laser therapy in facilitating maxillary expansion using bone-borne hyrax expander: A randomized clinical trial.

The objective of this randomized clinical trial was to study the skeletal and dental effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) along with a miniscrew-assisted expander (Hyrax) after six months of retention. After sequence generation, concealed allocation, and implementation, 24 female patients were randomly divided (1:1) into two-groups: bone-borne rapid palatal expansion (BBE) without LLLT (n = 12) and BBE with LLLT (n = 12). Eligibility criteria included female patients aged 10-13 years old with bilateral posterior crossbites. Intraoral and extraoral photographs, cone-beam computed tomography images, and digital study models were obtained before expansion and six months after retention. The 7 mm Hyrax appliance was anchored to four palatal mini-screws, which were activated twice daily for 15 days, then locked and kept in place as a retainer. LLLT was performed in the laser group during expansion and retention, according to the guidelines provided. The records of 24 patients were analyzed. According to the post-retention measurements, both groups showed a significant increase in nasal and maxillary widths and total facial height. In the laser group, the Sella-Nasion-Point A and Point A-Nasion-Point B angles and the interpremolar apical distance were significantly increased. Within the limitations of this study, the results suggest that the parameters and protocol of LLLT do not clinically affect the efficiency of BBE in prepubertal and pubertal patients.

Correlation between facial measurements and vertical dimension of occlusion among Tunisian populations: An anthropometric study.

Background. Establishing an accurate occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) is a crucial clinical step during full-mouth rehabilitation. Various techniques have been suggested to evaluate OVD, but none of them is practically reliable, and each one has its shortcomings. The correlation between facial proportions and the lower third of the face is a reliable method but needs to be verified in many ethnic groups. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the correlation between OVD and various facial measurements in a Tunisian ethnic group. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2020 to January 2021. The participants were randomly selected from dental students, dental surgeons, and the patients referring to the University Dental Clinic for dental treatments. Seven facial measurements were clinically recorded using a digital caliper. The correlation between OVD and facial measurements was analyzed using Spearman's coefficient and linear regression analysis. Results. A total of 201 dentate participants (134 females and 67 males) were included in the study. The mean OVD in male subjects was higher (67.60±4.49) compared to female subjects (60.72±3.84). The total facial height was positively correlated with OVD in both genders. OVD was statistically correlated with the height of the upper lip. This correlation was highly significant in males while it was weak in the female group. Conclusion. Facial proportions and linear equations are non-invasive, simple, and reliable methods to predict OVD, especially in males.

A cross-sectional study of the anthropometry of the face among Bonos and Ewes in the Bono region of Ghana

BackgroundGrowth and development of craniofacial structures are of importance since their anthropometry is useful in maxillofacial surgery, plastic surgery, orthodontics and forensic medicine. Surgeons consider the specific facial structures of such patients to help obtain accurate results. Ghana is however less-endowed with data regarding facial anthropometry for the aforementioned applications. Therefore, the study aimed to bring out the differences between the facial measurements of the male and female participants in order to generate baseline data for Ghanaians, taking into consideration the Bonos and Ewes living in the Bono region of Ghana. Twenty-four anthropometric facial measurements were taken from a total of 291 healthy individuals (152 Bonos and 139 Ewes), aged 18–60 years using Shahe Vernier callipers.ResultsThe study revealed Bono males had significantly longer faces than that of the Bono females (upper face height 2 and total face height). For maxillary height, mandibular width and mouth width, the mean values of Bono males were significantly greater than that of the Ewe males. There was a statistically significant difference concerning nasal length and anatomical nose width among the participants (p < 0.05). Bono male participants had significantly greater values than Ewe males in both endocanthion-exocanthion and endocanthion-endocanthion measurements.ConclusionsThe results of this study support the assertion regarding the existence of tribal variations and sexual dimorphism associated with facial measurements and have provided additional data for facial morphology for biometric and forensic applications as well as facial reconstruction especially among the study populations in Ghana.

A non-cephalometric three-dimensional appraisal of soft tissue changes by functional appliances in orthodontics: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Patients with dental and skeletal Class II growth patterns present typical facial characteristics. Functional appliance (FA) therapy is one of the conventional orthodontic treatment modalities used to harmonize these facial imbalances. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate and summarize the effects of FAs on the facial soft tissues captured in three dimensions. A systematic search was conducted up to December 2020. Databases Medline (via PubMed), Embase (via Ovid), Web of Science, and Cochrane Central were searched without language restrictions. Randomized clinical trial (RCT)'s investigating the influence of FA therapy on the facial soft tissues in a non-cephalometric and three-dimensional (3D) manner, were included. Data extraction was independently undertaken by two authors. In case of conflict, a third author was consulted. RoB 2.0 tool was used to assess the risk of bias. A meta-analysis was performed for total facial height, upper lip length, lower lip length, commissural width, and facial depth. The single-step activation versus incremental approach was compared using a random effects model. Five studies were included in the qualitative synthesis of the systematic review. Facial height increased after FA therapy. Three studies met the criteria for the meta-analysis. The mean facial depth increased significantly (P &lt; 0.003) with 1.39 mm (0.46 to 2.32). Current evidence suggests a positive influence of the FA therapy on the soft tissues in Class II patients. However, conclusions were drawn based on a two-dimensional analysis of 3D images, suggesting that more controlled studies using a comprehensive 3D analysis are necessary to confirm these results. PROSPERO registration (CRD 42021224016).