Comparative 3D Analysis of Lip Rejuvenation: Investigating Effects Before and After Soft-Tissue Filler Compared with Controls.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in lip metrics before and after facial rejuvenation treatment with hyaluronic acid-based fillers and to compare them with those of a control group using stereophotogrammetry (3D). METHODOLOGY: This study included 63 Caucasian women divided into Group C (<30 years, n=30) and Group H (>30 years, n=33), which was further divided into before (HT0) and after (HT1) lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid (HA). Eleven anthropometric landmarks were identified for linear, angular, and surface area measurements. Three photos were captured in Group C, while Group H had photos taken at T0 and T1. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Shapiro-Wilk test to evaluate normality, the Kruskal-Wallis test and one-way ANOVA. Tukey's post hoc and pairwise comparison tests were performed to analyze differences between variables (P value < 0.05). RESULTS: There were significant differences between lip width (ChR-ChL) and philtrum width (CphR-CphL) (P<.001). The total heights of the upper (Ls-Li) and lower vermilion lips (Sto-Li) increased, and the heights of the upper (Sn-Ls) and lower (Li-Sl) cutaneous lips decreased. The angles related to the philtrum (ChR-CphR-Ls, P<.001; ChL-CphL-Ls, P<.001) and nasolabial angle (Prn-Sn-Ls) (P<.001) exhibited significant differences. The surface areas of the upper, lower, and total vermilion lip showed significant differences (P<.001). Tukey's test indicated no significant differences in surface area after lip augmentation between the HT1 and C groups. CONCLUSION: Analysis of lip morphology after a filler procedure revealed a reversal of age-related changes, with increases in vermilion lip height and surface area comparable to those of younger individuals. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II: 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 .

Determination of the force systems produced by different configurations of tear drop orthodontic loops.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the mechanical characteristics of teardrop loop with and without helix fabricated using different metal alloy compositions (stainless steel and beta-titanium), submitted to different intensities of bends preactivation (0° and 40°), and with different cross-sectional dimension of the wire used to build these loops (0.017 x 0.025-in and 0.019 x 0.025-in). METHODS: Eighty loops used to close spaces were submitted to mechanical tests. The magnitudes of horizontal force, the moment/force ratio, and the load/deflection ratio produced by the specimens were quantified. Loops were submitted to a total activation of 5.0 mm and the values were registered for each 1.0 mm of activation. For statistic data analysis, a analysis of variance was performed and a Tukey's Multiple Comparison test was used as supplement, considering a 5% level of significance. RESULTS: In general, teardrop loops with helix produced lower magnitudes of horizontal force and load/deflection ratio, and higher moment/force ratio than teardrop loops without helix. Among all analyzed variables, metal alloy composition presented greater influence in the horizontal force and in the load/deflection ratio. The moment/force ratio showed to be more influenced by the preactivation of loops for space closure.

Comparative analysis of the anterior and posterior length and deflection angle of the cranial base, in individuals with facial Pattern I, II and III.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the variations in the anterior cranial base (S-N), posterior cranial base (S-Ba) and deflection of the cranial base (SNBa) among three different facial patterns (Pattern I, II and III). METHOD: A sample of 60 lateral cephalometric radiographs of Brazilian Caucasian patients, both genders, between 8 and 17 years of age was selected. The sample was divided into 3 groups (Pattern I, II and III) of 20 individuals each. The inclusion criteria for each group were the ANB angle, Wits appraisal and the facial profile angle (G'.Sn.Pg'). To compare the mean values obtained from (SNBa, S-N, S-Ba) each group measures, the ANOVA test and Scheffé's Post-Hoc test were applied. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: There was no statistically significant difference for the deflection angle of the cranial base among the different facial patterns (Patterns I, II and III). There was no significant difference for the measures of the anterior and posterior cranial base between the facial Patterns I and II. The mean values for S-Ba were lower in facial Pattern III with statistically significant difference. The mean values of S-N in the facial Pattern III were also reduced, but without showing statistically significant difference. This trend of lower values in the cranial base measurements would explain the maxillary deficiency and/or mandibular prognathism features that characterize the facial Pattern III.

Assessment of temporomandibular disorder and occlusion in treated class III malocclusion patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to compare the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in individuals submitted to either orthodontic or ortho-surgical Class III malocclusion treatment and to assess the influence of occlusal aspects on TMD severity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 50 individuals divided into two groups, according to the type of treatment (orthodontic or orthodontic with orthognathic surgery). The presence of signs and symptoms of TMD was evaluated by an anamnestic questionnaire and a clinical examination, including TMJ and muscle palpation, active mandibular range of motion, joint noises and occlusal examination. RESULTS: Based on the anamnestic questionnaire, 48% had no TMD, 42% had mild TMD and 10% had moderate TMD. The presence and severity of TMD did not show any relationship with the type of orthodontic treatment (p>0.05). The chi-square test showed a positive association (p<0.05) between TMD and non-working side occlusal interferences. CONCLUSION: Based on the methodology used and the results obtained, it may be concluded that Class III orthodontic treatment was not associated with the presence of TMD signs and symptoms and the non-working side contacts can be occlusal factors of risk. There was no significant difference in TMD prevalence between the studied groups (orthodontically treated patients and patients treated with orthodontics followed by orthognathic surgery).