Juvenile Facial Growth and Mimicry: A Preliminary 3D Study.

Studies focused on facial development during childhood have been conducted by means of 3D technology to provide modifications of anthropometric parameters. Facial mobility was also considered. This study proposed a 3D approach to facial growth changes. Facial surface data of 6 subjects were acquired in T1 (age 7-14 years) and after 7 years (T2), in rest position, and during voluntary movements, by a 3D laser scanner. Linear and angular measurements on rest position scans at T1 and T2 were compared. Each mimic scan was superimposed with the corresponding rest scan. Displacement of significant anthropometric points was measured for each facial gesture and at T1 and T2 statistically compared. Vertical measurements were those most influenced by aging. Some measurements of central facial area were consistent over time. The pattern of soft tissues displacement for each expression was consistent in T1 and T2. These results may be helpful for missing children identification.

Facial Mobility after Maxilla-Mandibular Advancement in Patients with Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A Three-Dimensional Study.

Introduction. The functional results of surgery in terms of facial mobility are key elements in the treatment of patients. Little is actually known about changes in facial mobility following surgical treatment with maxillomandibular advancement (MMA). Objectives. The three-dimensional (3D) methods study of basic facial movements in typical OSAS patients treated with MMA was the topic of the present research. Materials and Methods. Ten patients affected by severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) were engaged for the study. Their facial surface data was acquired using a 3D laser scanner one week before (T1) and 12 months after (T2) orthognathic surgery. The facial movements were frowning, grimace, smiling, and lip purse. They were described in terms of surface and landmark displacements (mm). The mean landmark displacement was calculated for right and left sides of the face, at T1 and at T2. Results. One year after surgery, facial movements were similar to presurgical registrations. No modifications of symmetry were present. Conclusions. Despite the skeletal maxilla-mandible expansion, orthognathic surgical treatment (MMA) of OSAS patients does not seem to modify facial mobility. Only an enhancement of amplitude in smiling and knitting brows was observed. These results could have reliable medical and surgical applications.

Soft, hard-tissues and pharyngeal airway volume changes following maxillomandibular transverse osteodistraction: Computed tomography and three-dimensional laser scanner evaluation.

INTRODUCTION: Maxillomandibular transverse osteodistraction (MMTOD) is an alternative approach to the traditional treatment for transverse maxillary and mandibular deficiencies and crowding. The aim was to report soft and hard-tissues changes and airway volume variation. METHODS: In this study, skeletally mature, non-syndromic patients with transverse maxillary and mandibular hypoplasia, who underwent a MMTOD between 2010 and 2012, were included. Surgical changes were analysed using clinical evaluation, three-dimensional facial surface data and computed tomography analysis before (T0) and after the completion of post-op orthodontic treatment (T1). RESULTS: Nineteen patients (eight males and eleven females; average age: 26.3 years) were enrolled. MMTOD produces facial changes in the cheek, paranasal areas, nasal base and chin. Facial changes are mostly explained by the underlying skeletal movements, which are essentially represented by the transverse enlargement of both the maxilla and the mandible. Following MMTOD, the airway volume and the lateral dimension of the cross-sectional airway increased significantly. CONCLUSIONS: MMTOD is a technique that allows an increase in airway volume and in both maxillary and mandibular arch perimeters simultaneously by increasing skeletal width. Facial appearance is improved and a stable occlusion is obtained.