Non-Invasive Three-Dimensional Facial Morphometry: Analysis of 3 Cases before and after Rapid Palatal Expansion

Aims: The aim of this work was to apply a new three-dimensional non-invasive methodology to precisely detect the variation that is determined at the level of the soft tissues of the face following the application of a rapid palatal expander appliance. Materials & Methods: Here are reported the data of three patients in mixed dentition and affected by an altered transversal development of the upper arch and the upper jaw that have been subjected to interceptive orthodontic treatment through the application of a transverse rapid palatal expander. The initial diagnostic phase was supported by: conventional orthodontic check (Orthopantomography, Telecranio latero-lateral, plaster models, 2D photographs); 3D photogrammetric scans of soft tissues of the face at rest; processing of 3D digital models. analysis through color maps and contour lines of the characteristics of the soft tissues of the face before and after the rapid expansion. 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 (Time 0) and after (Time 1) before and after rapid palatal expansion. Results & Conclusions: The color maps and contour lines analysis on digital models of the face before and after the therapy allowed to detect the slightest variations occurred on the facial soft tissues of the patients.