3D soft tissue analysis--part 1: sagittal parameters.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to develop a reliable three-dimensional (3D) analysis of facial soft tissues. We determined the mean sagittal 3D values and relationships between sagittal skeletal parameters, and digitally recorded 3D soft tissue parameters.


METHODS
A total of 100 adult patients (n(female) = 53, n(male) = 47) of Caucasian ethnic origin were included in this study. Patients with syndromes, cleft lip and palate, noticeable asymmetry or anomalies in the number of teeth were excluded. Arithmetic means for seven sagittal 3D soft tissue parameters were calculated. The parameters were analyzed biometrically in terms of their reliability and gender-specific differences. The 3D soft tissue values were further analyzed for any correlations with sagittal cephalometric values.


RESULTS
Reproducible 3D mean values were defined for 3D soft tissue parameters. We detected gender-specific differences among the parameters. Correlations between the sagittal 3D soft tissue and cephalometric measurements were statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
3D soft tissue analysis provides additional information on the sagittal position of the jaw bases and on intermaxillary sagittal relations. Further studies are needed to integrate 3D soft tissue analysis in future treatment planning and assessment as a supportive diagnostic tool.
Kochel
Janka
J
Department of Orthodontics, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany. Kochel_J@klinik.uni-wuerzburg.de
Meyer-Marcotty
Philipp
P
Strnad
Friederike
F
Kochel
Michael
M
Stellzig-Eisenhauer
Angelika
A
D000328:Adult; D002508:Cephalometry / Q000379:methods*; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005145:Face / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D010780:Photogrammetry / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D055815:Young Adult