3D Morphometric Changes of the Soft Tissues of the Face in a Patient Undergoing Asymmetrical Functional Therapy

Aim The aim of this work was to apply a new three-dimensional non-invasive method to precisely detect the instant change that is determined at the level of the soft tissues of the face following the application of a functional asymmetric appliance. Matherials and methods Here are reported the data of a patient (CS) in mixed dentition and affected by an asymmetric development of the middle and lower third of the face and of the dento-alveolar structures, who underwent orthodontic therapy through a functional asymmetric appliance to get the initial myo-functional balance of the case. The initial diagnostic phase was supported by: conventional orthodontic check (Orthopantomography, Telecranio latero-lateral, plaster models, photographs 2D); photogrammetric 3D scans of soft tissues of the face at rest; processing of 3D digital models. The analysis of the patient was made by the use of color maps and contour lines to detect the variation of the facial soft tissue shape before before (Time 0) and after (Time 1) the application of the asymmetrical functional device. Results and conclusions The color maps and contour lines analysis on digital models of the face prior to therapy and at the time of the application of the asymmetrical functional device made it possible to detect the immediate changes occurred in the muscular component and in the soft tissues of the face of the patient.