Clinical application of a 3-dimensional morphometric apparatus for diagnosis and treatment of a Class III patient with facial asymmetry : A pilot study

This article demonstrated the usefulness of a non-contact 3-dimensional (3D) morphometric apparatus in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment evaluation. A female patient, 23 years 6 months of age, had a Class III malocclusion with mandibular deviation. The 3D images taken by a 3D morphometric apparatus figured out her protrusive chin of 6 mm on the deviation side compared to the non-deviation side, and showed a possibility of orthognathic surgery. Before starting of orthodontic treatment, a diagnostic splint was used for 2 months to determine her proper mandibular position. The 3D images retaken for quantitative evaluation showed decrease of the mandibular protrusion by approximately 3 mm, and improvement of facial asymmetry. Then, we decided to treat the patient without orthognathic surgery. After 18 months of active orthodontic treatment with miniscrew anchorage, the mandibular deviation was improved and an acceptable occlusion was achieved. The 3D images at posttreatment demonstrated significant decrease of chin protrusion on the deviation side, and improvement of facial asymmetry. In conclusion, a 3D morphometric apparatus could provide quantitative data of facial asymmetry and chin protrusion and contributed decision making process of treatment planning in a patient with facial asymmetry.

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