The role of computerized video imaging in predicting adult extraction treatment outcomes.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of computerized video imaging in predicting the soft tissue outcome of extracting four premolars in adults. The pretreatment and posttreatment cephalometric and facial photographic records of 31 previously treated, nongrowing patients were digitized and computer-generated cephalometric VTOs and video images were compared with the known outcomes. The results showed that both the VTOs and video images were accurate enough to be used for patient education and communication, as well as for diagnosis and treatment planning. While lay people found that the predicted video images adequately resembled the actual outcomes, orthodontists were more critical, particularly of the lower lip area where variable soft tissue responses to treatment were noted.