Three-dimensional evaluation of facial morphology in children

Class III malocclusion remains one of the most challenging malocclusions for treatment and early or late treatment remains a subject of debate ( Campbell, 1983 ; Ngan, 2006 ; Ovsenik et al. , 2007 ). Baccetti et al. (2005) suggest that the most appropriate time is during the pre-pubertal growth period derived from cervical vertebral maturation criteria. Furthermore, if the optimal time is not observed, it often results in permanent alteration in the path of closure, abnormal growth and subsequent facial deformity, and consequently treatment dif culty increases with age ( Campbell, 1983 ; Guyer et al. , 1986 ; Burns et al. , 2010 ). In order to start treatment with the appropriate appliance, early diagnosis of maxillary retrusion/mandibular protrusion in the deciduous or early mixed dentition is needed ( Baccetti and Tollaro, 1998 ; Cozza et al. , 2004 ; Ngan, 2006 ; Kilic et al. , 2010 ). Most of the studies of early treatment of Class III malocclusion focus on hard tissue changes ( Toffol et al. , 2008 ), although it is also important to estimate soft tissue facial characteristics as well since their changes play an important role in the evaluation and success of the treatment effects ( McDonagh et al. , 2001 ; Kilic et al. , 2010 ). Orthodontists have traditionally based their diagnosis and treatment planning on various records (e.g. photographs and radiographs) representing a three-dimensional (3D) Three-dimensional evaluation of facial morphology in children