3D Evaluation of Gnathion Soft-Tissue Asymmetry Across Different Angle Malocclusions in Kosovar Children and Adolescents
Source abstract
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess gnathion soft-tissue deviation in Kosovar children and adolescents with Angle malocclusions using structured light scanning technology. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 90 children (aged 6–9) and 90 adolescents (aged 10–14). Facial scans were obtained using the MetiSmile facial scanner (Version 2.2.5.6), while intraoral scans were obtained using Aoralscan 3. Gnathion soft-tissue deviation from the midsagittal plane was assessed and categorised as left- or right-sided. Associations of gnathion asymmetry with sex, age group and Angle’s malocclusion classification were analysed using chi-square, Fisher’s exact, Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA by ranks tests. Results: Right-sided gnathion deviation was prevalent in both children (66.7%) and adolescents (72.2%). Right-sided gnathion deviation was more frequently observed than left-sided deviation in both age groups. No significant association was found between gnathion position and age group (p = 0.99), sex (children: χ2 = 0.201, p = 0.654; adolescents: χ2 = 2.072, p = 0.150), or Angle malocclusion classification (children: Fisher’s exact test, p = 0.594; adolescents: Fisher’s exact test, p = 0.435). Likewise, gnathion deviation did not differ significantly among Angle malocclusion groups (children: H = 1.41, p = 0.49; adolescents: H = 4.77, p = 0.09). Conclusions: Within the limitations of this cross-sectional study, mild gnathion soft-tissue asymmetry appears to be a common form of normal craniofacial variation and not a characteristic specifically associated with the type of Angle malocclusion. Three-dimensional facial scanning may provide a clinically applicable and non-invasive method for assessing facial asymmetry in paediatric orthodontic patients.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics · Temporomandibular Joint Disorders · Craniofacial Disorders and Treatments
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Dental School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Prishtina, 10000 Prishtina, Kosovo
Department of Orthodontics, Alma Mater Europaea, Campus College Rezonanca, 10000 Prishtina, Kosovo
Department of Prosthodontics, Dental School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Prishtina, 10000 Prishtina, Kosovo
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