Measurement of three-dimensional perioral soft tissue changes in dentoalveolar protrusion patients after orthodontic...

To evaluate the three-dimensional (3D) perioral soft tissue changes after orthodontic treatment in patients with dentoalveolar protrusion using structured light-based scanners.

Forty-four Korean adults (19 men and 25 women, 21.4 ± 3.4 years) with dentoalveolar protrusion treated by extraction of all four first premolars and then en masse retraction with maximum anchorage were evaluated. Lateral cephalograms and 3D facial scans were obtained before treatment (T1) and immediately after debonding (T2). Superimposition was performed, and 27 perioral landmarks were identified. The 3D changes in the landmarks and ratio of movement of the soft tissue relative to the horizontal incisal tip were evaluated. A paired t-test and one-way analysis of variance were performed.

The upper incisors were retracted 5.76 mm and the lower incisors were retracted 4.62 mm (P < .001). The upper lip moved inferoposteriorly, and the lower lip moved superoposteriorly. In the lower lip, upward movement was greater than backward movement (P < .001). The most prominent changes appeared at the greatest bulge area. The relative ratios were 42%-53% in the upper lip area and 22%-82% in the lower lip area. The lip corners moved superoposteriorly (P < .001). Subnasale moved downward (P < .05) and posteriorly (P < .001), while the landmarks under the nostrils moved upward and posteriorly (P < .001).

Facial scans from white structured light scanners efficiently evaluated 3D perioral soft tissue in dentoalveolar protrusion patients. Backward movement and significant vertical movement of the lip were observed. The nasal and lip angle areas showed considerable changes.