Facial soft tissue measuring analysis of normal occlusion using three-dimensional CT imaging

Han, Soo Yeon; Baik, Hyoung Seon; Kim, Kee Deog; Yu, Hyung Seog

Abstract

Studies for diagnostic analysis using three-dimensional (3D) CT images are recently in progress and needs for 3D craniofacial analysis are increasing in the fields of orthodontics. It is especially essential to analyze the facial soft tissue after orthodontic treatment and orthognathic surgery. In this study 3D CT images of adults with normal occlusion were taken to analyze the facial soft tissue. Norms were obtained from CT images of adults with normal occlusion (12 males, 11 females) using a computer program named V works 4.0 program. 3D coordinate planes were established using soft tissue Nasion as the reference point and a total of 20 reproducible landmarks of facial soft tissue were obtained using the multiple reconstructive sectional images (axial, sagittal and coronal images) of the V works 4.0 program; soft tissue Nasion, Pronasale, Subnasale, Upper lip center, Lower lip center, soft tissue B, soft tissue Pogonion, soft tissue Menton, Endocanthion (Rt/Lt), Alare lateralis (Rt/Lt), Cheilion (Rt/Lt), soft tissue Gonion (Rt/Lt), Tragus (Rt/Lt), and Zygomatic point (Rt/Lt). According to the established landmarks and measuring method, the 3D CT images of adults with normal occlusion were measured and the normal positional measurements and their Net (sigma=root(x2 + y2 + z2)) values were obtained using V surgery program. In the linear measurement between landmarks, there was a significant difference between males and females except Na'-Sn and En(Rt)-En(Lt). The normal ranges of Na'-Zy, Na'-Ch and Na'-Go' (facial depth) were obtained, which was difficult to measure by two-dimensional (2D) cephalometric analysis and facial photographs. These data may be used as references for 3D diagnosis and treatment planning for patients with malocclusion and dentofacial deformity.