A three-dimensional soft tissue analysis of Class III malocclusion: a case-controlled cross-sectional study

ABSTRACTObjective: The present study used the optical surface laser scanning technique to compare the facial features of patients aged 8–18 years presenting with Class I and Class III incisor relationship in a case-control design.Materials and methods: Subjects with a Class III incisor relationship, aged 8–18 years, were age and gender matched with Class I control and underwent a 3-dimensional (3-D) optical surface scan of the facial soft tissues.Results: Landmark analysis revealed Class III subjects displayed greater mean dimensions compared to the control group most notably between the ages of 8–10 and 17–18 years in both males and females, in respect of antero-posterior (P = 0.01) and vertical (P = 0.006) facial dimensions. Surface-based analysis, revealed the greatest difference in the lower facial region, followed by the mid-face, whilst the upper face remained fairly consistent.Conclusion: Significant detectable differences were found in the surface facial features of developing Class III subjects.