Three Dimensional Soft Tissue Analysis Of Skeletal Class III Patients After Bimaxillary Orthognathic Surgery Using Laser Surface Scanner.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of bimaxillary orthognathic surgery on the short-term soft tissue changes of facial structures using a laser scanner for 3D facial acquisition. Materials and methods: Thirty patients were selected for this study with skeletal class III malocclusion that required bimaxillary orthognathic surgery A Le Fort I maxillary advancement with or without maxillary impaction and a bilateral sagittal split osteotomy were performed. 3D acquisition of the craniofacial structures was obtained by Planmeca ProMax® laser surface scanner, preoperatively and postoperatively after 6 months. Result: These scans were superimposed over each other and was analyzed by the color-coded map. Bimaxillary orthognathic surgery resulted in soft-tissue changes that were maximized in the central parts of the face than in the lateral parts. Conclusion: The color-coded analysis provides a better understanding of the three-dimensional soft tissue changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]