Diagnosis and Surgical Outcomes of Facial Asymmetry According to the Occlusal Cant and Menton Deviation.

PURPOSE: Morphologic differences and surgical outcomes were compared between the ipsilateral type of facial asymmetry, in which the menton deviates to the side of the upward frontal occlusal plane (FOP) cant (FOPUP), and the contralateral type, in which the menton deviates to the side of the downward FOP cant (FOPDOWN), by using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included consecutive patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion and facial asymmetry who had undergone bimaxillary orthognathic surgery and serial CBCT before, 1 month after, and 1 year after surgery. CBCT images were reconstructed and analyzed for predictor (group and timing) and outcome (CBCT measurements over time) variables. The data were analyzed using independent t tests and paired t tests. RESULTS: The contralateral group (n = 12) was selected first; the ipsilateral group (n = 12) was selected by matching age, gender, and degree of FOP cant with those of the contralateral group. Before surgery, in the ipsilateral group, the ramal length was longer on the nondeviated (N-Dev) side than on the deviated (Dev) side (P < .05) whereas the mandibular body length showed no significant difference (P > .05). In the contralateral group, the ramal length was longer on the Dev side (P < .05) whereas the mandibular body length was longer on the N-Dev side (P < .01). One year after surgery, most measurements were corrected symmetrically in both groups (P > .05); however, the hemi-lower facial area remained asymmetrical in the contralateral group (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Differences in ramal lengths in the ipsilateral group and mandibular body lengths in the contralateral group between the Dev and N-Dev sides seemed to be the main cause of facial asymmetry. Although facial asymmetry improved after surgery in both groups, asymmetry in the soft tissue remained in the contralateral group 1 year after surgery.

Three-dimensional computed tomography analysis of mandibular morphology in patients with facial asymmetry and mandibular retrognathism.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to analyze the morphologic features of skeletal units in the mandibles of patients with facial asymmetry and mandibular retrognathism using cone-beam computed tomography. METHODS: The subjects consisted of 50 adults with facial asymmetry and mandibular retrognathism, divided into the symmetry group (n = 25) and the asymmetry group (n = 25) according to the degree of menton deviation. Three-dimensional computed tomography scans were obtained with cone beam computed tomography. Landmarks were designated on the reconstructed 3-dimensional images. Linear and volumetric measurements were made on the mandibles. RESULTS: In the asymmetry group, the lengths of condylar, body, and coronoid units were shorter, and condylar width was narrower on the deviated side than on the nondeviated side (P <0.01). The lengths of angular and chin units were not significantly different between the deviated and nondeviated sides (P >0.05). Hemimandibular, ramal, and body volumes were less on the deviated side than on the nondeviated side (P <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Condylar, body, and coronoid units contribute to mandibular asymmetry in patients with facial asymmetry and mandibular retrognathism.

Precision and trueness of dental models manufactured with different 3-dimensional printing techniques.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we assessed the precision and trueness of dental models printed with 3-dimensional (3D) printers via different printing techniques. METHODS: Digital reference models were printed 5 times using stereolithography apparatus (SLA), digital light processing (DLP), fused filament fabrication (FFF), and the PolyJet technique. The 3D printed models were scanned and evaluated for tooth, arch, and occlusion measurements. Precision and trueness were analyzed with root mean squares (RMS) for the differences in each measurement. Differences in measurement variables among the 3D printing techniques were analyzed by 1-way analysis of variance (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Except in trueness of occlusion measurements, there were significant differences in all measurements among the 4 techniques (P <0.001). For overall tooth measurements, the DLP (76 ± 14 µm) and PolyJet (68 ± 9 µm) techniques exhibited significantly different mean RMS values of precision than the SLA (88 ± 14 µm) and FFF (99 ± 14 µm) techniques (P <0.05). For overall arch measurements, the SLA (176 ± 73 µm) had significantly different RMS values than the DLP (74 ± 34 µm), FFF (89 ± 34 µm), and PolyJet (69 ± 18 µm) techniques (P <0.05). For overall occlusion measurements, the FFF (170 ± 55 µm) exhibited significantly different RMS values than the SLA (94 ± 33 µm), DLP (120 ± 28 µm), and PolyJet (96 ± 33 µm) techniques (P <0.05). There were significant differences in mean RMS values of trueness of overall tooth measurements among all 4 techniques: SLA (107 ± 11 µm), DLP (143 ± 8 µm), FFF (188 ± 14 µm), and PolyJet (78 ± 9 µm) (P <0.05). For overall arch measurements, the SLA (141 ± 35 µm) and PolyJet (86 ± 17 µm) techniques exhibited significantly different mean RMS values of trueness than DLP (469 ± 49 µm) and FFF (409 ± 36 µm) (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The 3D printing techniques showed significant differences in precision of all measurements and in trueness of tooth and arch measurements. The PolyJet and DLP techniques were more precise than the FFF and SLA techniques, with the PolyJet technique having the highest accuracy.

Three-Dimensional Analysis of Midfacial Soft Tissue Changes After Maxillary Posterior Impaction and Intraoral Vertical Ramus Osteotomy for Mandibular Setback in Class III Patients.

This study investigated the correlation between the 3-dimensional changes in midfacial soft tissues, including the parasagittal area and maxilla-mandible complex, after Le Fort I maxillary posterior impaction and bilateral intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (B-IVRO), using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). This retrospective study included 22 skeletal Class III patients (6 men and 16 women; mean age 21.6 years) who underwent orthognathic surgery. Three-dimensional CBCT images taken before and 1 year after surgery were superimposed based on the cranial base. Midfacial soft tissues, including those in the parasagittal area (paranasal area, anterior cheek area, lateral cheek area) and midsagittal areas of the face, were evaluated using reconstructed CBCT images. Correlations and the ratios between soft tissue and hard tissue movement were calculated. After surgery, both paranasal areas showed significant forward movement (about 2.0 mm) and the largest upward movement (about 0.15 mm) among the 3 areas. The paranasal areas moved forward with a ratio of 0.5, according to vertical movement of B. Orthognathic surgery using Le Fort I maxillary posterior impaction with B-IVRO mandibular setback results in forward movement of midfacial soft tissues, even though sagittal movement of the maxilla is limited because facial muscles and retaining ligaments pull the redundant soft tissues, which are caused by vertical movement of the maxilla-mandible. This midfacial soft tissue change with maxillary posterior impaction could be advantageous to patients who have paranasal depression and protrusion of the upper lip owing to proclined upper incisors, which are prevalent among Asian Class III patients.

Transport distraction osteogenesis combined with orthodontic treatment in a patient with unilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis.

Temporomandibular joint ankylosis manifests a range of clinical characteristics dependent upon the age of onset, the affected side, and the severity. When it occurs during development, mandibular growth is affected, resulting in severe retrusion or asymmetry as well as limitation of mandibular movements. Progressive asymmetric mandibular growth in unilateral ankylosis causes canting of the occlusal plane. In this case report, we present a successful temporomandibular joint reconstruction using transport distraction osteogenesis combined with camouflage orthodontic treatment for occlusal canting correction of a patient with unilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis and severe facial asymmetry.

Is There a Difference in Stability After Intraoral Vertical Ramus Osteotomy Between Vertically High-Angle and Normal-Angle Patients?

PURPOSE: Few studies have evaluated the relapse pattern of intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO) for the correction of mandibular prognathism with a high angle. The aim of this study was to measure the association between vertical facial types (high and normal mandibular plane angle) and relapse after IVRO for the management of mandibular prognathism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective cohort study sample (skeletal Class III patients) was divided into 2 groups according to the angle of the sella-nasion plane relative to the mandibular plane (SN-MP) at the initial examination. Lateral cephalograms were analyzed for the predictor (facial type) and outcome (cephalometric changes over time) variables before surgery, 7 days after surgery, and 12 months after surgery. The 2 groups were matched for sample size (n = 20 in each). Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance with Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: The normal-angle group (group N, SN-MP from 27° to 37°) and high-angle group (group H, SN-MP >37°) were not significantly different in terms of gender and age at the initial examination. Seven days after surgery, the mandibles in group H moved 2.5 mm more superiorly than those in group N (P = .013); consequently, the amount of overbite correction in group H was approximately 2 mm greater than that in group N (P = .002). Nevertheless, 12 months after surgery, there was no statistically significant difference in relapse of the maxilla and mandible between the 2 groups. In the 2 groups, the mandible moved approximately 0.7 mm superiorly during retention. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that IVRO is a clinically acceptable and stable treatment modality for mandibular prognathism with a high angle.

Stability of Pre-Orthodontic Orthognathic Surgery Using Intraoral Vertical Ramus Osteotomy Versus Conventional Treatment.

PURPOSE: Postoperative skeletal and dental changes were evaluated in patients with mandibular prognathism who underwent mandibular setback surgery using an intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO) with and without presurgical orthodontic treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients with skeletal Class III malocclusions who underwent IVRO. Patients treated with pre-orthodontic orthognathic surgery (POGS) were compared with patients treated with conventional surgery (CS) with presurgical orthodontics (control) using lateral cephalograms (taken preoperatively, 7 days postoperatively, and 12 months postoperatively). Predictor (group and timing), outcome (cephalometric measurements over time), and other (ie, baseline characteristics) variables were evaluated to determine the differences in postoperative horizontal and vertical positional changes of the mandible, such as point B. Baseline demographics were similar between the groups (N = 37; CS group, n = 17; POGS group, n = 20). The data were analyzed with an independent t test, the Mann-Whitney U test, the Fisher exact t test, Pearson correlation analysis, and simple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean setback of the mandible at point B was similar, but the mandible of the POGS group, particularly the distal segment, moved superiorly during the postoperative period in conjunction with the removal of premature occlusal contacts (P < .001). In the CS group, the mandible had significantly more backward movement 12 months after surgery compared with the POGS group (P < .01). In the POGS group, horizontal and vertical postsurgical changes were linearly correlated with the amount of setback and vertical movement of the mandible. CONCLUSIONS: Mandibular setback surgery using IVRO without presurgical orthodontics leads to considerably different postoperative skeletal and dental changes compared with conventional treatment, with more superior movement being observed at point B during the 1-year postoperative period.

Changes in the craniofacial complex and alveolar bone height of young adults: Applications to dental medicine.

The few studies on craniofacial complex changes in adults have reported contradictory findings. The aim of this study was to radiographically evaluate changes in the craniofacial complex and alveolar bone height of young adults over a 4-year period. This prospective study included 82 young adults (62 men; mean age, 19.0 ± 0.8 years; 20 women; mean age, 18.8 ± 0.9 years). Three radiographic examinations were performed longitudinally: the first (T0) was conducted at the start of the study, the second (T1) was conducted 2 years later, and the third (T2) was conducted at the end of the study period. As part of these examinations, lateral cephalograms, maxillary and mandibular anterior periapical radiographs, and bilateral posterior bitewing radiographs were obtained. During the 4-year follow-up period, all linear cephalometric measurements were significantly greater in men than in women. The amount of increase in the anterior facial height between T1 and T2 was lower in women than in men (P = 0.029). The rate of uprighting of the upper incisors was lower in men than in women over time (P = 0.020). The apex of the nose moved inferiorly between T0 and T2 (P = 0.006). The average overall change in the alveolar bone height was 0.27 mm and the yearly change was 0.07 mm over the 4-year period (P< 0.001). Significant changes in the skeletal, dental, and soft tissue, as well as, natural changes in alveolar bone, occur in young adults over time. Clin. Anat. 29:1011-1017, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effect of a second injection of botulinum toxin on lower facial contouring, as evaluated using 3-dimensional laser scanning.

BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) is widely used to improve the lower facial contour. OBJECTIVE: To determine the difference in the changes in the lower facial contour achieved with 1 and 2 sessions of BoNT-A injections using 3-dimensional (3D) laser scanning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty volunteers were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group I (n = 10) received a single injection, whereas Group II (n = 10) received 2 sessions of injections, the second being administered 4 months after the first. Each injection comprised of 25 U of BoNT-A and was administered to the masseter muscle bilaterally. Evaluation of the effect of BoNT-A injection was performed using 3D laser scan images obtained before the injection and 6 months thereafter in Group I, and before the first injection and 6 months thereafter in the Group II. RESULTS: The mean changes in the volume and thickness in Group I were -1,186 mm and -1.52 mm, respectively; the corresponding changes were -4,072 mm and -3.84 mm in Group II. The reductions were significantly greater in Group II than in Group I. CONCLUSION: The administration of a second BoNT-A injection is effective for better aesthetic results for the lower facial contour.

Morphological and molecular changes associated with Pitchfork during mouse palate development.

Mammalian palate development is regulated by complex processes. Many cellular and molecular events, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell migration and the epithelial mesenchymal transition, regulate proper palate development and some abnormalities in palate development lead to cleft palate. Various developmental disorders, such as cleft palate and disorders of the lung, kidney and heart, are known to be associated with ciliary defects. Pitchfork, a mouse embryonic node gene, is associated with ciliary targeting complexes located at the basal body during primary cilia disassembly. To determine the function of Pitchfork during palate development, we examine Pitchfork expression patterns and morphological changes in the developing secondary palate after Pitchfork over-expression. From embryonic day 12.5 (E12.5) to E13.5 in mice, Pitchfork was highly expressed in the developing mouse secondary palate. Morphological differences were observed in vitro in cultured palates in the Pitchfork over-expression group compared with the control group. Pitchfork over-expression induced primary cilia disassembly during palate development. Sonic hedgehog and Patched1 expression levels and palatine rugae morphology were altered in the over-expressed Pitchfork group during palate development. Thus, the proper expression levels of Pitchfork might play a pivotal role in normal secondary palate morphogenesis.

Correlation analysis of three-dimensional changes of hard and soft tissues in class III orthognathic surgery patients using cone-beam computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: This study was to investigate the correlation between changes of the soft and hard tissues three-dimensionally in class III orthognathic patients using cone-beam computed tomography. METHODS: Cone-beam computed tomography images were obtained within 2 weeks before surgery and at 6 months after surgery in 18 adult class III patients who underwent Le Fort I osteotomy and bilateral intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy. Subjects were divided into group 1 with no mandibular asymmetry (menton deviation, <2 mm; n = 9) and group 2 with mandibular asymmetry (menton deviation, >4 mm; n = 9). Landmarks were designated on the reconstructed three-dimensional models. Correlations and proportions of changes of the soft tissue to hard tissue were calculated. RESULTS: There were significant correlations of ΔB' to ΔB and ΔPog' to ΔPog in both groups on the horizontal axis (P < 0.05), and their proportions were 0.53 and 0.67 in group 1 and 0.77 and 0.88 in group 2, respectively. There were significant correlations of ΔB' to ΔB, ΔPog' to ΔPog, and ΔMe' to ΔMe on the sagittal axis in both groups (P < 0.05), and their proportions were 0.94, 0.84, and 0.96 in group 1 and 0.95, 0.91, and 1.03 in group 2, respectively. There were significant correlations of the three-dimensional distances between ΔB' to ΔB, ΔPog' to ΔPog, and ΔMe' to ΔMe in both groups (P < 0.05), and their proportions were 0.92, 0.79, and 0.95 in group 1 and 0.92, 0.88, and 0.97 in group 2, respectively. However, there were no significant correlations between changes in soft and hard tissues on the vertical axis in both groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In class III orthognathic patients with mandibular asymmetry, the proportions of ΔB' to ΔB, ΔPog' to ΔPog, and ΔMe' to ΔMe on the horizontal and sagittal axes and the three-dimensional distances were different from patients with no mandibular asymmetry.

Dentoalveolar compensation according to skeletal discrepancy and overjet in skeletal Class III patients.

INTRODUCTION: This study was designed to investigate dentoalveolar compensation in untreated skeletal Class III patients with either positive or negative overjet. METHODS: The positive overjet groups consisted of 104 adults, divided into group 1 (angle between sella-nasion to mandibular plane (SN-MP) > 38°, n = 30), group 2 (30° < SN-MP < 38°, n = 43), and group 3 (SN-MP <30°, n = 31). The negative overjet groups (groups 4-6) consisted of 90 adults who were closely matched to the positive overjet groups with regard to the ANB and SN-MP angles. Twenty-two cephalometric measurements were compared between the matched groups. In the positive overjet groups, correlation analysis was performed between the skeletal and dental measurements, and regression analysis was performed to determine the incisor-mandibular plane angle. RESULTS: The maxillary incisors were more proclined and the occlusal plane was more flattened in the positive overjet groups than in the negative overjet groups; however, there was no statistically significant difference between them with regard to mandibular incisor inclination. The inclinations of the maxillary and mandibular incisors were correlated with both the sagittal and vertical skeletal measurements. Eight regression equations for the incisor-mandibular plane angle were calculated with the highest coefficient of determination of 0.547. CONCLUSIONS: Proclination of the maxillary incisors and flattening of the occlusal plane contributed to a positive overjet. Mandibular incisor inclination was more closely associated with sagittal and vertical skeletal discrepancies and was not affected by the incisal relationship.

Mandibular posterior anatomic limit for molar distalization.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to investigate the mandibular posterior anatomic limit for molar distalization. METHODS: Three-dimensional computed tomography scans were obtained on 34 adults with a skeletal Class I normodivergent facial profile and a normal occlusion. Posterior available space was measured at the crown and root levels along the posterior occlusal line connecting the buccal cusps of the first and second molars on the axial slices. It was also measured at the occlusal level on the lateral cephalograms derived from the computed tomography scans. The measurements on the cephalograms were used to predict the actual posterior available space determined by computed tomography and to determine the presence of root contact with the inner lingual cortex by linear regression and discriminant analyses, respectively. RESULTS: The posterior available space was significantly smaller at the root level than at the crown level. Root contact was observed in 35.3% of the 68 roots. The posterior available space measured on the lateral cephalograms resulted in a regression equation with a coefficient of determination of 0.261 to predict actual available space and correctly identified root contact in 66.2% of cases with a threshold value of 3.9 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The posterior anatomic limit appeared to be the lingual cortex of the mandibular body. Computed tomography scans are recommended for patients who require significant mandibular molar distalization.

Morphologic relationship between the cranial base and the mandible in patients with facial asymmetry and mandibular prognathism.

INTRODUCTION: This study was conducted to measure the dimensional changes in the cranial base and the mandible in patients with facial asymmetry and mandibular prognathism, and to examine the morphologic relationship between asymmetries of the cranial base and the mandible. METHODS: The patients were 60 adults with mandibular prognathism, divided into a symmetry group (menton deviation, <2 mm; n = 30) and an asymmetry group (menton deviation, >4 mm; n = 30) according to the degree of menton deviation. Three-dimensional computed tomography scans were obtained with a spiral scanner. Landmarks were designated on the reconstructed 3-dimensional surface models. Linear, angular, and volumetric measurements of the cranial base and mandibular variables were made. RESULTS: In the asymmetry group, the hemi-base, anterior cranial base, and middle cranial base volumes were significantly larger (P <0.01), and crista galli to sphenoid, sphenoid to petrous ridge, anterior clinoid process to petrous ridge, and vomer to petrous ridge lengths were significantly longer (P <0.05) on the nondeviated side than on the deviated side. Menton deviation was significantly correlated with the difference in hemi-base volume, and ramal volume was significantly correlated with the difference in hemi-base and middle cranial base volumes between the nondeviated and deviated sides (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with facial asymmetry and mandibular prognathism, cranial base volume increased on the nondeviated side and was also correlated with mandibular asymmetry.

Treatment of ankylosed maxillary central incisors by segmental osteotomy with autogenous bone graft.

This case report describes the treatment of a 16-year-old girl with ankylosed maxillary central incisors that were noticeably infraoccluded and labially displaced. We performed a segmental osteotomy with an autogenous bone graft in a single-stage surgery to align and level the ankylosed teeth. The dento-osseous segment was successfully repositioned with satisfactory periodontal results.

Orthopedic and orthodontic treatment of Parry-Romberg syndrome.

Parry-Romberg syndrome (PRS) is a degenerative disease characterized by progressive hemifacial atrophy of soft and hard tissues. A 10-year-old girl who had been treated for linear scleroderma at the dermatologic department since the age of 9 years visited the orthodontic department. The frontal facial photograph showed mild facial asymmetry. On the left side, mild atrophy of soft tissue, mild enophthalmos, cheek depression, and dry skin with dark pigmentation were observed. The radiograph showed hypoplasia of both the maxilla and mandible on the left side. Intraorally, she was in the mixed dentition with the dental crowding. This case report describes the treatment of a patient with PRS for 7 years. To minimize the effect of progressive atrophy on facial growth, a functional appliance was used. The facial photographs and radiographic records were periodically taken to analyze the progression of PRS. Although it is impossible to prevent the progress of facial asymmetry, it appears to be possible to limit the atrophic effect on the mandible by stimulating the mandibular growth. After stabilization of PRS, orthodontic treatment by fixed appliance was performed. In addition, autologous fat graft was performed 3 times at 6-month intervals. After the treatment, the patient had a confident smile, and facial asymmetry was improved.

Differences in mandibular condyle and glenoid fossa morphology in relation to vertical and sagittal skeletal patterns: A cone-beam computed tomography study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the following null hypothesis: there are no differences in the morphology of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) structures in relation to vertical and sagittal cephalometric patterns. METHODS: This retrospective study was performed with 131 participants showing no TMJ symptoms. The participants were divided into Class I, II, and III groups on the basis of their sagittal cephalometric relationships and into hyperdivergent, normodivergent, and hypodivergent groups on the basis of their vertical cephalometric relationships. The following measurements were performed using cone-beam computed tomography images and compared among the groups: condylar volume, condylar size (width, length, and height), fossa size (length and height), and condyle-to-fossa joint spaces at the anterior, superior, and posterior condylar poles. RESULTS: The null hypothesis was rejected. The Class III group showed larger values for condylar width, condylar height, and fossa height than the Class II group (p < 0.05). Condylar volume and superior joint space in the hyperdivergent group were significantly smaller than those in the other two vertical groups (p < 0.001), whereas fossa length and height were significantly larger in the hyperdivergent group than in the other groups (p < 0.01). The hypodivergent group showed a greater condylar width than the hyperdivergent group (p < 0.01). The sagittal and vertical cephalometric patterns showed statistically significant interactions for fossa length and height. CONCLUSIONS: TMJ morphology differed across diverse skeletal cephalometric patterns. The fossa length and height were affected by the interactions of the vertical and sagittal skeletal patterns.

Facial soft-tissue changes in skeletal Class III orthognathic surgery patients analyzed with 3-dimensional laser scanning.

INTRODUCTION: Patients undergoing orthognathic surgery show considerable changes in both hard and soft tissues. The purpose of this study was to use a 3-dimensional (3D) laser scanner to evaluate the soft-tissue changes after the correction of skeletal Class III malocclusions with orthognathic surgery. METHODS: The subjects consisted of 20 Korean patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion who underwent LeFort I osteotomy with maxillary advancement and posterior nasal spine impaction, along with bilateral intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy for mandibular setback. Ten patients (group 1) had 2-jaw surgery with genioplasty, and the other 10 (group 2) had 2-jaw surgery without genioplasty. Three-dimensional images of the patients were acquired with a 3D laser scanner. The ratios of soft-tissue changes to hard-tissue movements were analyzed and compared between the 2 groups. In addition, the changes in the soft-tissue landmarks in the 3D coordinates and the 3D linear, angular, and proportional changes were measured preoperatively and postoperatively, and compared. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups in the horizontal ratios of the soft-tissue to hard-tissue changes. In both groups, the ratios of the horizontal changes in the paranasal area were higher than in the subnasal area. There were more changes in the subalar area than in the supracommissural area, and more changes in the chin and labiomental areas than in the subcommissural area. Ala moved anterolaterally, and cheilion moved posteroinferiorly. The distance between upper-lip point and cheilion increased significantly (P <0.05). In the 3D angles, transverse nasal prominence and transverse upper lip prominence increased significantly (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The 3D analysis in this study can be used to estimate the soft-tissue changes in Class III patients who undergo orthognathic surgery.

Three-dimensional computed tomography analysis of mandibular morphology in patients with facial asymmetry and mandibular prognathism.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to investigate the dimensional changes in each skeletal unit in the mandibles of patients with facial asymmetry and mandibular prognathism. METHODS: The patients consisted of 50 adults with mandibular prognathism, divided into the symmetry group (n = 20) and the asymmetry group (n = 30) according to the degree of menton deviation. Three-dimensional computed tomography scans were obtained with a spiral computed tomography scanner. Landmarks were designated on the reconstructed 3-dimensional surface models. The lines to represent condylar, coronoid, angular, body, and chin units were used. Ramal and body volumes were measured in the hemi-mandibles. RESULTS: In the asymmetry group, condylar and body unit lengths were significantly longer, and coronoid unit length was significantly shorter on the nondeviated side than on the deviated side (P <0.01). Angular and chin unit lengths were not significantly different between the 2 sides (P >0.05). Ramal volume was significantly greater on the nondeviated side (P <0.01), but body volume was not significantly different between the 2 sides (P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both condylar and body units appeared to contribute to mandibular asymmetry, with a more central role of the condylar unit.