Three-dimensional geometric analysis of facial symmetry in skeletal class I individuals

Abstract

Aim: Our aim in this study is to determine anatomical points to detect asymmetry on both sides of the face, to make morphometric measurements according to age/sex, and to compare facial asymmetry index values according to sex. Methods: Three-dimensional (3D) Computed Tomography (CT) images of 90 individuals of both sexes (45 female, 45 male) were included in our study. Morphometric measurements of the face were made using the 3D Slicer software package on these images. To evaluate facial asymmetry in more detail, measurements were made using 3D-CT, and asymmetry index values were calculated. Results: When we analyzed according to sex, female right Condylion-Gonion-Menton angle (CoGoMe_Rˆ) values were statistically higher than males (p=0.049). There was no statistical difference between the asymmetry index values of males and females (p>0.05). According to the Pearson correlation test, a statistically weak positive correlation was found between age with CoGoMe_Rˆ, left Condylion-Gonion-Menton angle (CoGoMe_Lˆ) (in both r=0.228, p=0.031), and Condylion-Menton (CoMe) asymmetry (r=0.237, p=0.024). According to the Pearson correlation test, a statistically weak negative correlation was found between age and Condylion-Subspinale (CoSs) asymmetry (r=-0.209, p=0.048). Conclusions: It is observed that the measurements around the mandible show more changes with age. In sex comparisons, although most of the facial morphometric measurements of males were significantly larger than those of females, no significant difference was found in the asymmetry index values.