title: Use of Fourier analysis to determine age-related changes in the facial profile.
abstract: This study demonstrated the feasibility and utility of fitting a Fourier function to the facial profile to accurately characterize changes in shape associated with aging, orthodontic or prosthodontic treatment, and orthognathic surgery. In contrast to conventional metric approaches, Fourier analysis provided a detailed measurement of the facial profile and facilitated the quantitative assessment of changes in its shape. Fourier functions, corrected for size, were computed for each of the 77 facial profiles and used to measure longitudinal changes in the midsagittal facial outline. The facial profile segment between the maxillary and mandibular lips showed the greatest variability and the tip of the nose the least variability in persons with intact dentitions.
authors.affiliation: UCLA School of Dentistry.
authors.forename: K K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Kapur
authors.forename: P E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Lestrel
authors.forename: N R
authors.initials: NR
authors.lastname: Garrett
authors.forename: H H
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Chauncey
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging; D002508:Cephalometry; D005145:Face / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005583:Fourier Analysis; D006801:Humans; D008445:Maxillofacial Development