3D assessment of facial soft-tissue norms of Turkish individuals having different malocclusions at rest and smiling position

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine soft tissue norms of different malocclusions in the rest and smile position. Another aim was to evaluate changes in facial soft tissues during transition between smile position and rest position. Method: There are five groups in our study. These groups as follows; class I, class I with transverse maxillary deficiency, class II division 1, class II division 2, class III. Each group consists of 80 individuals between the ages of 15-18. We evaluated facial soft tissue morphology of 400 individuals at rest and smile position with 3dMD method. For statistical analysis student t-test and a one-way ANOVA test were used. Results: Lower face height, lower lip length and labiomental angle were reduced in class II division 1 group at rest and smile position. Soft tissue convexity angle, labiomental angle and upper lip angle increased in class III group. Mouth width was reduced in maxillary deficiency group. Midface height and upper lip length decreased; mouth-nose-philtrum and the distance between exocanthion points of the eye increased when switching to rest position from smile position Conclusions: Differences between malocclusion groups such as lower face height, lower lip length, mouth width, nasolabial angle and labiomental angle at rest and smile position should be considered in diagnosis and treatment planning. 3dMD facial imaging system that can be used in the normative study is a practical and reliable system.