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3D Imaging of Soft-Tissue Samples using an X-ray Specific Staining Method and Nanoscopic Computed Tomography
Published on: October 24, 2019
Novel method of 3-dimensional soft-tissue analysis for Class III patients
Marko Božič1, Chung How Kau, Stephen Richmond
1Clinical Department of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Summary
This study compared 3D facial shells of Class III surgical patients to average faces. Class III subjects showed significant differences, particularly in facial height and chin position, compared to normative data.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Craniofacial Surgery
- 3D Imaging
Background:
- Evaluating 3D facial shells is crucial for orthognathic surgery planning.
- Understanding population-specific facial morphology aids in treatment customization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess 3D facial shells of Class III patients against population-specific average templates.
- To identify morphological differences in Class III subjects undergoing orthognathic surgery.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of facial templates between Class III (male/female) and Class I (average male/female) subjects.
- Analysis of 3D coordinates to evaluate vertical and horizontal facial distances.
- Superimposition of Class III male-female groups with average male-female templates.
Main Results:
- Class III subjects exhibited statistically significant differences in vertical facial height compared to average faces.
- A notable proportion of Class III subjects showed deviations in the lower two-thirds and upper facial third.
- Chin deviation towards the left was observed in both male and female Class III Slovenian subjects.
Conclusions:
- Slovenian male subjects, both average and Class III, have statistically significantly greater facial heights than females.
- Class III subjects demonstrate distinct facial morphology, including a tendency for left-sided chin deviation.
- Quantifiable differences between Class III patients and normative facial data were established.
