Thesis title: ESTETICA FACCIALE E STRUMENTI DIGITALI. AUTOPERCEZIONE E VALUTAZIONE CLINICA TRIDIMENSIONALE POST-ESPANSIONE ORTOPEDICA
Introduction.
The evolution of digital technologies and the introduction of three-dimensional analytical methods have led to profound changes in diagnostic processes and orthodontic treatment planning. Contemporary clinical practice is increasingly oriented toward a holistic view of the patient, integrating functional and morphological assessment with aesthetic and psychological evaluation, while acknowledging the impact of facial appearance on self-perception and quality of life.
The present study aims to analyze, through the use of three-dimensional digital tools and validated psychometric protocols, the morphological and perceptual changes of the face following rapid maxillary expansion (RME) treatment. Furthermore, the study seeks to investigate the relationship between objective structural changes, detected by 3D analysis, and the subjective perception of aesthetic improvement, assessed through the PIDAQ (Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire).
Materials and Methods.
The study included a sample of nine pediatric and adolescent patients (six males and three females; mean age 10.44 years; range 8–12 years) selected from 398 orthodontic examinations. All subjects presented transverse maxillary discrepancy and underwent orthopedic expansion treatment. Each patient was evaluated at two time points—before and after treatment (T0–T1). Three-dimensional facial and intraoral scans were acquired for each subject, and a psychometric questionnaire was administered. Digital data were processed using dedicated software and artificial intelligence algorithms for the automatic identification of landmarks, comparing automated measurements with manual ones. Statistical analysis included paired t-tests or Wilcoxon tests to assess changes between T0 and T1, while the reliability of AI-based measurements was verified using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland–Altman analysis.
Results.
Morphometric analyses revealed significant increases in facial symmetry and harmony parameters, with marked improvements in the zygomatic, nasolabial, and perioral regions. Simultaneously, psychometric data showed a statistically significant reduction in perceived aesthetic discomfort and an overall enhancement in self-esteem and personal satisfaction (p < 0.001). These findings confirm that maxillary orthopedic expansion, in addition to correcting functional transverse discrepancies, has beneficial effects on facial morphology and patients’ aesthetic perception. Moreover, the use of three-dimensional digital technologies and artificial intelligence algorithms for automated facial feature assessment represents a promising clinical support tool in defining standardized and reproducible diagnostic protocols.
Conclusions.
In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of a multidimensional and interdisciplinary approach in orthodontics, in which aesthetic, functional, and psychological dimensions work synergistically to achieve a comprehensive balance between form, function, and perception, ultimately enhancing the overall well-being of the patient.
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