Three-dimensional facial surface analysis of patients with skeletal malocclusion.

Three-dimensional (3D) laser surface scanning analysis has taken hold in orthodontics, as well as craniomaxillofacial and plastic surgery as a new tool that can navigate away from the limitations of conventional two-dimensional methods. Various techniques for 3D reconstruction of the face have been used in diagnosis, treatment planning and simulation, and outcomes follow-up. The aim of the current prospective study was to present some technical aspects for the assessment of facial changes after orthodontic and orthognathic surgery treatment using 3D laser surface scanning. The technique proposed for facial surface shape analysis represented three-dimensionally the expected surgical changes, and the reduction of the postoperative swelling was verified. This study provides technical information from the data collection to the 3D virtual soft-tissue analysis that can be useful for diagnostic information, treatment planning, future comparisons of treatment stability or facial postoperative swelling, and soft-tissue profile assessment.