Stomatology ›› 2026, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (4): 283-288.doi: 10.13591/j.cnki.kqyx.2026.04.008

• Basic and Clinical Research • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Facial soft tissue changes in adults after orthodontic treatment based on 3dMD technology

ZHONG Yue1,2,3, LYU Dan4, ZHANG Yiyin4, HUANG Ziming4, ZHANG Yuan1,2,3, XIE Lizhe1,2,3, QIAN Yajing1,2,3()   

  1. Department of Orthodontics, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
  • Received:2025-10-09 Online:2026-04-28 Published:2026-04-17
  • Contact: QIAN Yajing E-mail:qianyajing@njmu.edu.cn

Abstract:

Objective To qualitatively and quantitatively assess the three-dimensional changes in facial soft tissues in non-extraction adult orthodontic patients before and after treatmentusing 3dMD technology. The study systematically analyzes the trends of facial landmark changes and investigates the patterns of soft tissue variation in different facial regions. Methods The study included 52 non-extraction adult orthodontic patients(treatment group) and 17 untreated adults(control group). For the treatment group, 3D facial images were captured using the 3dMD system before treatment(T0) and after treatment(T1). 3D facial images of the control group were obtained at a one-year interval. The image data were imported into Geomagic Wrap software for registration. Absolute color maps were generated for qualitative analysis of 3D changes across facial regions. Additionally, 26 soft tissue landmarks were selected for quantitative analysis to compare differences within and between the two groups. Results The facial soft tissue changes in the treatment group before and after orthodontic treatment were symmetrical. After treatment, the overall facial profile exhibited a trend of retraction or posterior displacement, with the temporal, mandibular angle, and oral commissure regions showing more pronounced alterations. Quantitative analysis revealed statistically significant negative changes at the FT,Go' and Ch relative to the G' (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the changes at the FT and Go' showed significant differences (P<0.05). Conclusion Non-extraction orthodontic treatment in adult patients does not compromise bilateral facial symmetry. However, it may lead to a reduction in soft tissue fullness in the temporal and mandibular angle regions. Therefore, comprehensive communication with patients prior to treatment is essential to guide them in establishing realistic therapeutic expectations.

Key words: orthodontic treatment, facial soft tissue changes, three-dimensional imaging, adult, non-extraction treatment

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