Esthetic Evaluation of Facial Soft Tissue Based on Nonrigid Image Deformation

Abstract

As the time passes by, orthodontics is paying more and more attention to facial aesthetics. However, related research is mostly in the stage of qualitative evaluation without clinical reference of specific soft tissue data. Therefore, by collecting the pre- and post-treatment photographs of 26 adult female patients, this study used image deformation technology to process the photos of a 23-year-old female patient, and two groups of facial photos were established. Then, 22 males and 27 females were selected to conduct an aesthetic evaluation to the original and processed photos by questionnaire survey. Relevant indicators of the corresponding photos were obtained. Group t-test, paired t-test, and nonparametric test were used in data calculation. For patients with high compliance, deep overbite with low angle or average angle are more suitable for fixed appliance with the bite plate, while with high angle are not suitable. The nonprofessionals prefer narrower face, more retracted lip position, and fuller chin than in the actual treatment. Among them, female evaluators prefer narrower lower face than male evaluators do. Male evaluators prefer thicker lips and chins, especially thicker lower lips than female evaluators do. Laypeople prefer narrower face, more retracted lip position, and fuller chin.