Evaluation of Labial Protrusion and Lip Esthetic Changes After Complete Denture Treatment Through Stereophotogrammetry.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the facial esthetics of complete denture treatment using a 3D analysis of the lower third of the face before and after treatment by comparing and correlating measurements.

Materials and methods: A total of 31 edentulous patients were enrolled, and 3D images were captured before (T1) and after (T2) complete denture delivery. Twelve landmarks were established in the face. Linear, angular, surface, and perimeter measurements were evaluated and compared with paired t test. The delta (Δ) values (T2-T1) were assessed using Spearman correlation to verify the associations between all measurements according to the facial parameters (α = .05).

Results: Statistical differences were identified in the lower third of the face in the linear measurement Sn-Gn (P = .006), the angular measure Tright-Pg-Tleft (P = .004), and at the surface of the lower third of the face (P = .001). All measurements were statistically different in the labial protrusion area: the nasolabial angle (Prn-Sn-Ls), the surface, and the perimeter (P = .001). In the lip evaluation, statistical differences were observed in the linear (Ls-Li), surface, and perimeter measurements (P = .001).

Conclusions: The facial esthetic proportions of the linear and perimeter measurements increased and the angles of sealed lips and nasolabial and lower facial convexity decreased after complete denture delivery. The present study showed a clinically important correlation between linear and angular measurements that should help restore facial esthetics, providing metrics that can aid the clinician in facial composition.