Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026
06:26
Quantitative Assessment Protocol for Facial Soft Tissue Volumetric Changes with Stereophotogrammetry
Published on: December 9, 2025
Facial soft tissue surface changes following complete denture treatment: A comprehensive 3D analysis.
Luis Azevedo1, Rita Alves2, Duarte Marques3
1Research and Teaching Fellow, Division of Fixed Prosthodontics and Biomaterials, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry
|June 2, 2026
Summary
Complete dentures significantly alter facial morphology by increasing upper lip projection and decreasing lower lip height. High-resolution 3D facial scanning effectively quantifies these prosthetic effects for improved treatment planning.
Area of Science:
- Dental prosthetics
- Facial morphology
- 3D imaging
Background:
- Edentulism leads to lip support loss and altered facial structure.
- Complete dentures aim to restore function and facial aesthetics.
- Quantifying soft-tissue changes with facial scanning requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate linear, angular, and 3D soft-tissue changes after maxillary complete denture rehabilitation.
- To assess the impact of complete dentures on facial morphology.
Main Methods:
- Forty-two edentulous participants underwent 3D facial scans with and without dentures in various facial positions.
- Linear and angular measurements were derived from 12 soft-tissue landmarks.
- 3D surface changes were quantified using superimposition-based deviation analysis.
Main Results:
- Complete dentures increased upper lip projection and decreased lower lip height.
- The nasolabial angle decreased significantly, but the sagittal facial profile remained unchanged.
- 3D analysis revealed perioral soft-tissue expansion, most notable in the rest position.
Conclusions:
- Complete denture rehabilitation causes consistent changes in perioral soft tissue, affecting lip position and nasolabial angle.
- High-resolution 3D facial scanning is effective for quantifying prosthetic effects.
- 3D scanning can enhance esthetic assessment and treatment planning for edentulous patients.
