Evaluation by 3D stereophotogrammetry of facial changes in edentulous patients after rehabilitation

Abstract

Evaluation by 3D stereophotogrammetry of facial changes in edentulous patients after rehabilitationTo assess facial changes after oral rehabilitation with complete dentures (CDs) by 3D technology allows understanding the results of a treatment that changes facial proportions. Precise outcome parameters can improve decision making. Objective: This descriptive observational research aimed to assess facial changes in completely edentulous patients after oral rehabilitation with a CD by a 3D stereophotogrammetry system. Methodology: 30 edentulous patients (7 men and 23 women), aged 50 to 75, were analyzed with stereophotogrammetry at 28 previously determined anthropometric landmarks, at 2 different times: T1, before treatment, and T2, after inserting the CDs. Images were analyzed with a specific software for linear and angular measurements. The paired t-test was used to compare timestamps (α=0.05).Results: Major changes were observed in 7 of the 13 linear measures and 7 of the 9 angular measures. The following linear measurements had an increase: Sn-Gn (lower third of the face), Ls-Li (height of the vermilion lip), and ChL-ChR (mouth width). Sn-Ls (nasal philtrum height) decreased. For angular measurements, Sn-St-Pg (lower facial convexity) angles increased, and the Prn-Sn-Ls (nasolabial angle) and GoR-Pg-GoL (mandible convexity) angles decreased. Conclusions: Major facial changes in newly rehabilitated edentulous patients with CDs included an increase of the lower third of the face, of the vermilion lip, of mouth width, and of the lower facial convexity, and a decrease of the nasolabial angle and mandible convexity.

Comparing Facial Esthetic and Volumetric Changes of an Edentulous Patient After Either Conventional or Neutral Zone Technique

“…As the teeth in the dentures and the base of the prosthesis supported tissues around the mouth, facial convexity, and Holdaway angles increased in dentures fabricated with conventional (L1) and neutral (L2) techniques compared to edentulous (L3) cephalogram. This result is similar to the findings of Toyoshima et al 14 and Pucciarelli et al 15 Also, these convexity angle increases were more evident in L1 than in L2.…”