Clin Oral Investig. 2025 Dec 29;30(1):32. doi: 10.1007/s00784-025-06700-y.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the location and severity of facial soft tissue deformities in patients with orofacial cleft prior to orthognathic surgery.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Linear measurements were performed on 30 scans of male faces without cleft and 10 faces with cleft. Three-dimensional (3D) coordinates of anthropometric points were used to calculate an Asymmetry Index for each point. An average male face was generated from the 30 unaffected scans using GOM Inspect Suite 2000 software. By superimposing cleft faces onto the Assessment of facial asymmetry in patients with orofacial cleft based on biometric proposal of the average male face, the location and severity of deformities were visualised in the x, y, and z axes. Statistical analysis of linear measurements and Asymmetry Index values was performed using a Z-score, with significance determined by the p-value.
RESULTS: Compared to controls, patients with orofacial clefts had a shorter and narrower face, a wider nose, and narrower lips. The Asymmetry Index identified the nose, upper lip, and chin as the regions with the most asymmetry. A significant deficiency of soft tissues in the oronasal area was observed, especially on the side affected by cleft.
CONCLUSIONS: 3D analysis enables precise localisation and quantification of soft tissue asymmetry in cleft patients. This method highlights the specific regions most affected by deformities and confirms the clinical applicability of 3D facial scanning. However, the relatively small sample size (10 males with clefts and 30 controls) and the exclusion of females limit the generalisability of these findings and should be addressed in future studies.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: 3D scanning represents a valuable visual tool for assessing residual deformities related to clefts. Provides objective data that can improve surgical planning and individualised treatment strategies for patients undergoing orthognathic procedures.
PMID:41460587 | DOI:10.1007/s00784-025-06700-y
