BackgroundIn cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients, the shape of the facial soft tissues shows variety in 3 dimensions (3D). Two-dimensional (2D) photographs and radiographs are insufficient in the examination of these anomalies. The aim of this retrospective study was to examine the soft tissue and craniofacial characteristics of individuals with nonsyndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP), bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP), skeletal Class III malocclusions, or skeletal Class I malocclusions using 3D facial imaging.Material/MethodsThe entire study group consisted of a total of 158 patients, aged 8–32 years: 29 of the patients had UCLP, 22 BCLP, 54 had skeletal Class III malocclusions, and 53 had skeletal Class I malocclusions. 3D stereophotogrammetric soft-tissue recordings of all patients were analyzed. ANOVA and the Kruskal-Wallis test were performed to compare the groups.ResultsStatistically significant differences were observed among the groups in terms of linear, angular, proportional. and volumetric measurements. While nasal differences were not observed in the Class III group, nose and upper-lip deformities were common in the CLP groups. Upper-lip projection was reduced in all 3 groups. In the Class III patients, the lower lip and chin were more prominent than in the other groups. The facial convexity angle was increased in the CLP and Class III groups. The upper-lip volume was decreased in the BCLP, the UCLP, and the Class III groups.ConclusionsPatients with skeletal Class III or CLP anomalies showed significantly different soft-tissue characteristics than the Class I control group. 3D stereophotogrammetric facial imaging is an easy and noninvasive method that can be used in examination and recording of these facial deformities. It is possible to make volumetric measurements using this method.

OBJECTIVE: Facial symmetry is an important component of a successful treatment of patients with cleft lip and palate. The aim of this retrospective study was to examine the pronasale, nasolabial, and paranasal region asymmetries in patients with nonsyndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) using three-dimensional (3D) facial imaging. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The study group consisted of 29 patients with complete UCLP aged 8-29 years. 3D stereophotogrammetric soft tissue recordings of all patients were analyzed. Measurements were performed on the cleft and noncleft side and compared with each other by the paired t-test. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed between the cleft and noncleft sides. Alar contour-Pronasale distance was longer on the cleft side than on the noncleft side, with the difference between them being statistically significant (p<0.05). The Subnasale-Pronasale / Alar contour-Pronasale ratio was also significantly lower on the cleft side than on the noncleft side (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients with UCLP did not present significant asymmetries regarding Cheek and Buccal contours and Chelion-Subnasale and Christa Philtry-Subnasale heights. Asymmetrical appearance was prominent on alar base and pronasale regions.