Hemifacial microsomia: a scoping review on progressive facial asymmetry due to mandibular deformity.

PURPOSE: This scoping review explores various parameters of the mandible in progressive facial asymmetry (FA) in hemifacial microsomia (HFM) patients, highlighting its relationship with sex, population, and age group. METHODS: The review was based on a comprehensive search of PubMed, EBSCOhost, and Web of Science. Eligible studies that met the inclusion criteria form part of the selection study. The included studies were appraised using screening and quantitative criteria of mixed-method appraisal tools. The authors utilised a pre-set data extraction form to obtain information from the included studies. RESULTS: Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. The mandible parameters used were angular measurements, chin point, ramal height, body length, and total length. There was no relationship between FA and sex in HFM patients in the included studies. Most of the studies were comprised of European participants (55%), followed by Americans (36%) and Chinese (9%). The age groups included in the selected studies were categorised as dentition age (18%), early-to-middle childhood (18%), and varied ages (64%). The data presented in this review only pertains to the anomalous characteristics recorded on the affected side in HFM patients. No concomitant control data was recorded in this review. CONCLUSION: An assessment of the included studies revealed that FA does not increase with age in HFM. Hence, FA is non-progressive in HFM patients. This information is relevant to diagnosing and managing HFM patients. More reports are needed on the progression of FA in HFM patients.

Differential outcomes of jaw bone position after surgical-orthodontic treatment in three types of skeletal Class III asymmetry patients.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Facial asymmetry is common in Class III patients requiring orthognathic surgery. This study aimed to analyze jaw bone position after surgical-orthodontic treatment in three types of skeletal Class III asymmetry patients. METHODS: The retrospective study included 30 Class III patients who underwent surgical-orthodontic treatment comprising LeFort I osteotomy and bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) without genioplasty. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images obtained before surgery (T1) and after post-surgical orthodontic treatment (T2) were superimposed with voxel-based registration. Patients were classified into three groups based on T1 CBCT scans. Groups 1 and 2 exhibited menton and ramus deviated to the same side. Menton deviation was larger than ramus width asymmetry in group 1, while the reverse was true for group 2. Group 3 had menton deviation contralateral to the side with greater ramus width. RESULTS: Menton deviation after treatment was improved in all groups. Ramus width asymmetry and coronal ramus angle difference decreased in groups 1 and 2. Neither improvement nor deterioration of ramus width asymmetry was noted for group 3. Comparing to groups 1 and 2, group 3 had greater roll and yaw rotations of distal segment, more upward pitch of proximal segment on chin deviation side, and largest inward yaw as well as backward translation of proximal segment on non-deviation side. CONCLUSION: The positional changes of osteotomy segments differed among three types of mandibular asymmetry. Special attention should be given to the atypical mandibular asymmetry with mandibular body and ramus deviating to opposite directions during surgical correction of jaw deflection.

Exploring Non-invasive Therapies for Bell's Palsy: A Case Report.

Unknown in origin, Bell's palsy is a common acute facial nerve paralysis that is usually characterized by unilateral facial weakening or paralysis. People of all ages are affected by this illness, which peaks in the fourth decade of life. Although the precise etiology is yet unknown, viral infections - particularly type 1 herpes simplex virus - are frequently linked to the problem. Based on the evidence of abrupt onset facial weakness and the elimination of other neurological diseases, the diagnosis is essentially clinical. The goals of management techniques are to lessen related symptoms, encourage nerve regeneration, and lessen inflammation. Corticosteroids, antiviral drugs, physical therapy, and supportive measures are available as treatment alternatives. The majority of patients experience spontaneous recovery within weeks to months, and the prognosis is generally excellent. Nonetheless, a portion may experience long-term consequences, highlighting the significance of individualized follow-up care. Bell's palsy is succinctly summarized in this abstract to aid in better comprehension and well-informed clinical practice decision-making.

Toward 3D facial analysis for recognizing Mendelian causes of autism spectrum disorder.

Recognizing Mendelian causes is crucial in molecular diagnostics and counseling for patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We explored facial dysmorphism and facial asymmetry in relation to genetic causes in ASD patients and studied the potential of objective facial phenotyping in discriminating between Mendelian and multifactorial ASD. In a cohort of 152 ASD patients, 3D facial images were used to calculate three metrics: a computational dysmorphism score, a computational asymmetry score, and an expert dysmorphism score. High scores for each of the three metrics were associated with Mendelian causes of ASD. The computational dysmorphism score showed a significant correlation with the average expert dysmorphism score. However, in some patients, different dysmorphism aspects were captured making the metrics potentially complementary. The computational dysmorphism and asymmetry scores both enhanced the individual expert dysmorphism scores in differentiating Mendelian from non-Mendelian cases. Furthermore, the computational asymmetry score enhanced the average expert opinion in predicting a Mendelian cause. By design, our study does not allow to draw conclusions on the actual point-of-care use of 3D facial analysis. Nevertheless, 3D morphometric analysis is promising for developing clinical dysmorphology applications in diagnostics and training.

Midface asymmetry in non-syndromic unilateral cleft lip-palate: a retrospective cbct analysis.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) and infraorbital foramen region (IFR) with facial symmetry in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, CBCT images of 30 non-syndromic UCLP patients were included, along with 30 age- and sex-matched control individuals. ZMC symmetry was evaluated in the axial section by comparing the right and left sides. Similarly, symmetry in the IFR was assessed in the coronal section. The significance level was set at p<0.05 for statistical analysis. Results: The study group comprised 12 female and 18 male patients, with ages ranging from 10 to 18 years (mean age 14.1 years). Both ZMC and IFR measurements were significantly lower on the cleft sides of the study group compared to both the non-cleft sides of UCLP patients and the control group (p<0.001, p=0.022, and p=0.036, respectively). Furthermore, IFR measurements were significantly lower in the control group compared to the non-cleft sides of the study group (p=0.04). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that individuals with UCLP exhibit asymmetry in both the ZMC and the IFR. These findings suggest a negative impact on facial aesthetics.

High-Resolution Ultrasound for Complications of Botulinum Toxin Use: A Case Series and Literature Review.

Botulinum toxin (BTX) has revolutionized both aesthetic and therapeutic medicine by selectively inhibiting acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction, inducing localized muscle relaxation. However, its use can be associated with various complications. As a diagnostic modality, high-resolution ultrasound can better characterize these complications. Here, we present four clinical cases of complications associated with the application of BTX, along with their corresponding ultrasonographic findings. In this study, cases were selected randomly, irrespective of the timing of BTX injections, to illustrate a spectrum of complications observed in clinical practice. Despite its benefits, BTX can have adverse effects ranging from mild to severe, including aesthetic and functional complications, such as hematoma, ptosis, facial asymmetry, nodules, or pseudoaneurysm. High-resolution ultrasound emerges as a crucial tool in the multidisciplinary management of these complications, allowing for accurate evaluation and effective therapeutic guidance.

The Crucial Role of Physiotherapy in the Postoperative Case of Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis for Restoration and Normalization of Functions in a 23-Year-Old Patient.

Ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a pathological condition of the joint. The disease manifests as a limitation to total failure of movement of the TMJ, usually following trauma or surgery or due to local infection. The condition may result in difficulty masticating, speaking, structure of the mouth, face, or jaw, and maintaining oral hygiene to a significant degree. A computed tomography (CT) scan is the best method of evaluating the bony anatomy of the TMJ. The present report shows the surgical correction of the TMJ ankylosis. A 23-year-old female attended the hospital, showing severe mouth opening limitation (9 mm). On investigations, left TMJ ankylosis was diagnosed. The surgical approach consisted of distraction osteogenesis of the left side, followed by vigorous physiotherapy. In patients with TMJ ankylosis, restoration of normal function and jaw movement is difficult. This case report highlights the importance of physiotherapy as an emerging adjuvant therapy in the treatment of TMJ ankylosis. There have also been several treatment methods used to improve the patient's self-esteem and confidence, including speech therapy and psychological counseling.

Evaluation of Facial Asymmetry in Patients with Crooked Nose.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to explore the correlation between facial asymmetry and a crooked nose using objective methodologies. METHODS: The cohort of 57 patients who underwent septorhinoplasty surgery for aesthetic reasons between 2019 and 2022. Patients were categorized based on the type of nasal axis deviation. The analysis involved reviewing patients' photographs and cone beam computed tomography images. We identified various anatomical landmarks and compared measurements across the groups. RESULTS: Among the study population, 21 (36.8%) exhibited Type-I (linear) and 15 (26.3%) demonstrated Type-C nasal axis deviation, while no deviation was detected in 21 (36.8%) patients. Upon evaluating the upper face area, significant differences were found in the glabella-lateral orbit (G-LO) and rhinion-lateral orbit (Rh-LO) parameters (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively). A statistically significant difference was discovered in all three parameters between the three groups in the middle face area [glabella-zygion (G-Zy) p = 0.04, rhinion-zygion (Rh-Zy) P < 0.001, anterior nasal spine-zygion (ANS-Zy) p < 0.001)]. Further, a statistically significant difference was noted in the soft tissue parameters gonion (Go) and LO (p = 0.008 and P = 0.005, respectively). CONCLUSION: Patients with crooked noses, in particular, exhibit asymmetries in the upper and middle faces. The glabella in the upper face and the anterior nasal spine in the middle face are stable points, and the fact that the parameters derived from these two reference points are significant, when considered in conjunction with other significant parameters, strongly supports the aforementioned statement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Adaptation of soft tissue following bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy in skeletal class III patients with facial asymmetry: A retrospective study.

PURPOSE: This retrospective study aimed to evaluate sequential changes in soft tissue thickness after bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSRO) in skeletal class III patients with facial asymmetry and to explore their correlation with surgical movements for optimal postoperative facial symmetry and esthetic outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 37 patients with class III malocclusion and > 4 mm Menton (Me) deviation who underwent BSSRO. Posteroanterior cephalograms were captured at preoperative (T0), 6 weeks (T1), 6 months (T2), and 1 year (T3) postoperative intervals to analyze changes in Me deviation, fronto-ramal inclination (FRI), and soft tissue thickness. Statistical analysis was conducted to assess the changes in soft tissue thickness over time and the effects of surgical correction. RESULTS: Significant improvements in facial asymmetry were noted after surgery, with reductions in Me deviation and FRI on both the deviated side (DS) and non-deviated side (NDS). An increase in soft tissue thickness was observed on both the DS and NDS after surgery, with the NDS showing a continued increase between 6 months and 1 year, indicating an ongoing compensation for symmetry restoration. The study also identified a positive correlation between the surgical movement of the FRI and the increase in soft tissue width on the NDS after 6 months. CONCLUSION: This study established that soft tissue thickness continues to adapt and change up to 1 year after BSSRO, underscoring the need for a long-term evaluative approach in orthognathic surgery for patients with facial asymmetry.

Navigating Complexity in Mandibular Condyle Aplasia and Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis in a Five-Year-Old Child: A Case Report.

Mandibular condyle aplasia and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis represent complex challenges in diagnosis and management, affecting jaw function and facial aesthetics. This case report presents a five-year-old female child with a right-sided small jaw and facial asymmetry due to left-sided TMJ ankylosis. The coexistence of mandibular condyle aplasia and TMJ ankylosis underscores the need for comprehensive evaluation and tailored treatment approaches. Syndromic associations, such as Goldenhar syndrome and Treacher Collins syndrome, further complicate diagnosis and management. Surgical intervention involving left-side gap arthroplasty and reconstruction using a costochondral graft/temporalis fascia was performed under general anesthesia. However, postoperative complications, including decreased mouth opening and left-sided lower motor neuron facial palsy, necessitated further surgical debridement and drainage of an abscess. The case emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in addressing complex craniofacial anomalies, with treatment strategies such as bone grafting and tailored surgical interventions offering promising outcomes. Understanding the multifaceted etiology of mandibular condyle aplasia and TMJ ankylosis is crucial for optimal management, highlighting the collaborative efforts required for achieving favorable patient outcomes.

A new patient-specific helical maxillary distractor: a cadaver test.

The primary objective of this cadaver study was to assess the feasibility of a novel custom helical distraction system and a patient-specific antral maxillary distractor. The study involved two fresh cadaver heads and followed a systematic procedure. First, virtual planning was conducted for an asymmetric maxillomandibular advancement. Custom patient-specific hardware was then fabricated to enable sequential mandibular advancement and gradual maxillary distraction. The mandibular lengthening procedures were found to be highly accurate, with only minor deviations from the planned results. In terms of maxillary distraction, the patient-specific antral distractors demonstrated favorable outcomes, with two noteworthy exceptions. Ideal forward maxillary advancement was short by a modest 2-3 mm in both cadavers. Additionally, cadaver 2 exhibited an unplanned pitch malrotation. However, an excellent occlusion was achieved in cadaver 1 and an acceptable anterior occlusion in cadaver 2, albeit with bilateral posterior open bites that could be readily corrected with interdental elastics in a clinical setting. This cadaver model study provides compelling evidence for the feasibility of patient-specific antral helical distractors, highlighting their potential to yield positive outcomes. Importantly, the study results suggest that patient-specific antral distractors may offer superior results compared to the current standard of linear distractors.

A case series on a new reference in mandibular angles harmonization: the Frontozygomatic-Infraorbital Line (FZ-IOL).

the aim of this paper, is to propose a new reference line: the Frontozygomatic-Infraorbital Line (FZ-IOL). This reference line can guide the surgical team planning mandibular angle harmonization, based on the patient's skeletal proportion. The Frontozygomatic-Infraorbital Line has been adopted for symmetrization surgery, masculinization surgery, and in unsatisfactory results of previous orthognathic surgery. From March 2021 to December 2022, 3 patients were treated for severe facial asymmetry affecting mainly the lower third of the face. All cases were planned with the reference FZ-IOL. Patients were treated in the same center, at the Orthognathic Surgery Department of the Instituto Portugues da Face, Lisbon, Portugal. The Frontozygomatic-Infraorbital Line is designed virtually using software to reconstruct a 3D image from a digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) file obtained from a cone beam computer tomography (CBCT). , connecting the two orbital rims. Then, a vertical line, the frontozygomatic line perpendicular to the IOL and passing through the outmost lateral portion of the frontozygomatic suture is drawn. The proposed line demonstrated how establishing appropriate reference lines is crucial for the success of the surgery. The selection of reference lines should be based on the patient's anatomy, the symmetrization process's complexity, and the surgery's desired outcome. The Frontozygomatic-Infraorbital Line represents an adequate reference line for managing mandibular angle lateral projection, improving lower third of the face symmetrization.

Post-BSSO condylar position stability: a comparison of miniplate and lag screw fixation.

BACKGROUND: This study was conceived to assess the postoperative stability of condylar position following fixation with miniplates and lag screws after bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO). METHODS: This retrospective study included a cohort of 20 patients undergoing BSSO using the Obwegeser-Dal Pont modification. The bony segments were stabilized using either miniplates with two 2.0-mm monocortical screws per segment or three 2.0-mm bicortical lag screws along the mandible's superior border. Pre- and postoperative (7-day interval) spiral computed tomography scans were conducted to assess skeletal changes across both groups. Data analysis employed Wilcoxon signed-rank and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was observed between the pre-and postoperative condylar position parameters (P>0.05). However, the lag screw group showed a marginal significant increase in the left condyle's angulation (preoperative: 24.83 ± 6.37 vs. postoperative: 32.5 ± 4.93; P = 0.04). Changes in condylar height, length, and width were not statistically significant before and after BSSO in either groups (P>0.05). Nor was any statistically significant difference found between the miniplates and lag screws groups regarding condylar position parameters (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The results indicated that both lag screw and miniplate fixation methods can be effectively employed in BSSO procedures without impacting condylar position parameters. Thus, either fixation method can be chosen depending on factors such as the surgeon's preference and clinical outcomes.

The effect of combined surgery and physiotherapy on the facial asymmetry in patients with congenital muscular torticollis: a retrospective cohort study.

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of surgical therapy, intraoperative evaluation, and immediate physiotherapy on the facial asymmetry of patients with congenital muscular torticollis (CMT). Patients who underwent a combination of unipolar sternocleidomastoid muscle release with perioperative physiotherapy between 2014 and 2020 in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen were enrolled. Three-dimensional photographs of the face acquired 2 months preoperatively and 1.5-2 years postoperatively were assessed. Based on 43 patients, there was a significant improvement in the asymmetry indices (angles between bilateral exocanthion, bilateral cheilion, and nasion-gnathion lines): mean ± standard deviation reductions in indices (Ex-Ex)-(Ch-Ch), (Ex-Ex)-(Na-Gn), and (Ch-Ch)-(Na-Gn) of 0.88 ± 1.08° (P < 0.001), 1.04 ± 1.26° (P < 0.001), and 0.21 ± 1.06° (P = 0.024), respectively. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) showed that intervention at an early age (P = 0.017) and left-sided torticollis (P = 0.030) were associated with a significantly greater improvement in the facial asymmetry. This study found that the use of combined surgery and physiotherapy reduced the facial asymmetry of patients with CMT at 2 years postoperatively. Early intervention and left-sided torticollis were associated with a greater improvement in the facial asymmetry. This indicates that attention should be given to early intervention and right-sided CMT cases postoperatively.

Automatic extraction of facial median sagittal plane for patients with asymmetry based on the EDMA alignment algorithm.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to establish a novel method for automatically constructing three-dimensional (3D) median sagittal plane (MSP) for mandibular deviation patients, which can increase the efficiency of aesthetic evaluating treatment progress. We developed a Euclidean weighted Procrustes analysis (EWPA) algorithm for extracting 3D facial MSP based on the Euclidean distance matrix analysis, automatically assigning weight to facial anatomical landmarks. METHODS: Forty patients with mandibular deviation were recruited, and the Procrustes analysis (PA) algorithm based on the original mirror alignment and EWPA algorithm developed in this study were used to construct the MSP of each facial model of the patient as experimental groups 1 and 2, respectively. The expert-defined regional iterative closest point algorithm was used to construct the MSP as the reference group. The angle errors of the two experimental groups were compared to those of the reference group to evaluate their clinical suitability. RESULTS: The angle errors of the MSP constructed by the two EWPA and PA algorithms for the 40 patients were 1.39 ± 0.85°, 1.39 ± 0.78°, and 1.91 ± 0.80°, respectively. The two EWPA algorithms performed best in patients with moderate facial asymmetry, and in patients with severe facial asymmetry, the angle error was below 2°, which was a significant improvement over the PA algorithm. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical application of the EWPA algorithm based on 3D facial morphological analysis for constructing a 3D facial MSP for patients with mandibular deviated facial asymmetry deformity showed a significant improvement over the conventional PA algorithm and achieved the effect of a dental clinical expert-level diagnostic strategy.

Predicting optimal patient-specific postoperative facial landmarks for patients with craniomaxillofacial deformities.

Orthognathic surgery primarily corrects skeletal anomalies and malocclusion to enhance facial aesthetics, aiming for an improved facial appearance. However, this traditional skeletal-driven approach may result in undesirable residual asymmetry. To address this issue, a soft tissue-driven planning methodology has been proposed. This technique estimates bone movements based on the envisioned optimal facial appearance, thereby enhancing surgical accuracy and effectiveness. This study investigates the initial implementation phase of the soft tissue-driven approach, simulating the patient's ideal appearance by realigning distorted facial landmarks to an ideal state. The algorithm employs symmetrization and weighted optimization strategies, aligning projected optimal landmarks with standard cephalometric values for both facial symmetry and form, which are essential in orthognathic surgery for facial aesthetics. It also incorporates regularization to preserve the patient's facial characteristics. Validation through retrospective analysis of preoperative patients and normal subjects demonstrates this method's efficacy in achieving facial symmetry, particularly in the lower face, and promoting a natural, harmonious contour. Adhering to soft tissue-driven principles, this novel approach shows promise in surpassing traditional methods, potentially leading to enhanced facial outcomes and patient satisfaction in orthognathic surgery.

Site and severity of facial asymmetry after bimaxillary surgery for class III deformity: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed (1) to evaluate the site and severity of facial asymmetry in Class III patients before and after bimaxillary surgery, and (2) to identify the influence of initial severity and positional jaw asymmetry on residual facial asymmetry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preoperative and postoperative cone-beam computed tomography of 65 patients with Class III facial asymmetry who underwent bimaxillary surgery were evaluated. Five midline and 14 paramedian facial soft tissue landmarks were identified to assess facial asymmetry. The outcomes were compared to a control group consisting of 30 age- and gender-matched Class I subjects. The postoperative positional jaw asymmetry (i.e., shift, roll, yaw) of each osteotomy segment (maxilla, mandible, chin, ramus) was also measured. RESULTS: Before surgery, the asymmetry was more severe at the chin, middle and lower contour. Bimaxillary surgery effectively corrected facial asymmetry, particularly in achieving normalization of chin deviation. However, significant asymmetry persisted postoperatively in the middle and lower contour (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively), which was affected by the positional ramus asymmetry in the roll and shift. CONCLUSIONS: Deviation of the chin, middle and lower contour contributed significantly to overall facial asymmetry in Class III asymmetry. Despite normalization of the chin deviation after bimaxillary surgery, asymmetry persisted at the middle and lower contour, primarily as the result of insufficient correction of the positional ramus asymmetry. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Understanding the residual asymmetry after bimaxillary surgery is important for minimizing deviation and optimizing the surgical planning for its correction.

Rare case of combined vascular malformation of the face: a successful surgical management.

Combined vascular malformation affecting the facial region is an extremely rare clinical entity that is debilitating both functionally and emotionally. Treatment warrants a multidisciplinary approach with the aim of removing the vascular anomalies and ameliorating any functional facial disfigurement. Here, we present a case of a 40-year-old female with combined vascular malformation of the face who was treated successfully with surgical intervention accompanying significant resolution of facial disfigurement.

Frontal facial analysis of female celebrity attractiveness standards through artificial intelligence.

The contemporary significance of celebrities' facial aesthetics underscores their heightened importance in shaping attractiveness standards. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the impact of patterns on aesthetic canons in the profile views of female celebrities, using artificial intelligence. The study sought to compare different races and propose standards for attractive faces. In this retrospective cohort study, a Python-based algorithm was used to analyze frontal patterns and evaluate their influence on aesthetic norms in publicly accessible images of female global celebrities. Ten ideal angular or proportional measures were gathered from the literature, and were trained to serve as a benchmark for the analysis of facial attractiveness. Demographic characteristics were described statistically. A one-way ANOVA test was employed to assess data distribution. Differences in means between groups were evaluated using nonparametric independent-sample tests, with statistical significance set at < 0.05. The study involved facial analyses for 115 female celebrities. It revealed variations in facial features among races. The mean golden ratio differed, with African and Asian individuals showing lower ratios. Symmetry varied, with Latin and Caucasian faces considered the most symmetrical. The zygomatic-to-mandibular width ratio was similar across races, with a ratio close to 80% being associated with more attractive faces. Differences in nose-to-mouth ratio, lips, alar base width, and chin angle were noted among race groups. The study concluded that, regardless of race, an attractive female face is characterized by specific ratios and angles. Facial symmetry, though desirable, is not strictly necessary. Irrespective of race background, an appealing female face is characterized by a zygomatic-to-mandibular width ratio nearing 80%, a mid-facial third that is slightly larger than the lower third, and a distinctive chin angle of approximately 138°, contributing to a trapezoidal facial shape. The findings contribute valuable insights into attractiveness standards and the impact of frontal patterns on aesthetic canons in female celebrities.

Evaluation of maxillary arch symmetry in cleft patients undergoing orthodontic treatment: a comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with a cleft require structured procedures to achieve feasible treatment results. Since many treatment protocols coexist without being superior to one another, this study investigated the Saarland University Hospital treatment concept for patients with unilateral and bilateral clefts to evaluate its effects upon dental arch dimensions until the early mixed dentition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Digitized plaster models were used for data collection. Records of 83 patients (Cleft n = 41 [UCLP n = 28, BCLP n = 13], Non-Cleft Control n = 42) comprised 249 casts. The evaluation included established procedures for measurements of edentulous and dentate jaws. Statistics included Shapiro-Wilk, Friedmann, Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney-U-Tests for the casts. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The cast analysis showed an approximation of arch dimensions towards those of age-matched patients without a cleft until early mixed dentition. The mean values of patients with and without cleft lip and palate were almost indistinguishable when compared in primary and/or early mixed dentition. CONCLUSIONS: The evaluated treatment concept leads to feasible outcomes regarding dental arches in patients with unilateral and bilateral clefts compared to an age-matched non-cleft control. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The evaluated treatment concept leads to favorable outcomes until early mixed dentition.