A proposal for photographic analysis of the facial profile in orthognathic surgery

Abstract

Introduction: Face analysis, in orthodontics and orthognathic surgery, have been used as a diagnosis tool to assist the professional on directing the treatment, in order to meet one of the patient’s main motivations – face aesthetics. Objective: suggesting reference dotting the patient’s face to assess his face profile photography aiming at helping the professional to evaluate faces in orthodontics and orthognathic surgery. Methods: Twenty five patients aged 19-28 years (18 females and 7 males) were assessed. The ones undergoing orthodontic treatment have been excluded. A digital camera DSC-S750 on a three legged support fixed 1 m away from the patient has been used. Infraorbital and tragus areas on the patient’s face have been dotted with a black dermathographic pen. After the photographic exposition, Power Point (Microsoft) Software has been used to process the image. Infraorbital and tragus dots have been connected by a line and perpendicular to this plane, another line passing through glabella, was drawn for a maxilla and jaw analysis as to the face plane. Results: The method suggested has significantly helped diagnosis, prognostic study, learning the parameters for face analysis in orthodontics and orthognathic surgery as well as support material for instructing patient and his caretakers. Conclusion: The method suggested herein has been found to help teaching, diagnosis and patient’s prognostic study, as well as to be usefull as support material for instructing patient and his caretakers.