The Prediction Capacity 3-D Software, on a 2-D Analysis, in Planning the Positioning of the Upper Lip After Maxillary Advancement

Abstract

Purpose: The maxillary advancement using Le Fort I osteotomy directly affects in the positioning of the upper lip (UL) and the nasolabial angle (NLA), which plays an important role in facial expression and aesthetics, because of this, the aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of Dolphin Imaging 11.8 software in predicting changes to the UL position and NLA in patients undergoing maxillary advancement. Materials and Methods: It was a retrospective cohort study. Predictive and final tracings using pre- and postoperative Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) of 24 patients undergoing maxillary advancement, regardless of mandibular movement, were compared. Whether the amount of advancement changes this predictability was also analyzed. The predictive and the 12-month postoperative data were evaluated using Dolphin Imaging 11.8 software and compared. Student t test was used to get the results. Results: The vertical analysis of the incisal tip and cementoenamel junction of the upper central incisor (UCI) and of the UL were statistically significant ( P = .001 for all). The horizontal measurements of the same variables ( P = .238, P = .516, P = .930, respectively) and the NLA ( P = .060) showed no statistical significance. The amount of advancement did not interfere with the variables analyzed, except for the exposure ( P = .009) and inclination of the UCI ( P = .010). Conclusion: It was concluded that the amount of maxillary advancement does not interfere with the UL prediction; the prediction capacity of the software was good for the horizontal measurements, but had a significant error index for vertical measurements.