Leveraging three-dimensional craniofacial morphology for customized abutment design using facial scanning technology.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the dental cervical morphology (DCM) of maxillary anterior teeth and facial parameters, with the goal of validating the predictive efficacy of these facial parameters for DCM of the maxillary anterior teeth in a Chinese population.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted at Stomatology Hospital of Fujian Medical University. Facial parameters of participants were obtained using a 3D facial scanner and subsequently imported into reverse engineering software for measurement. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) data were imported into imaging software, where specific landmarks were annotated. The distance between these landmarks at the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) level was then quantified and defined as dental cervical morphology (DCM). Pearson correlation analysis was employed to identify relationships between facial and DCM measurements. Linear regression was performed on significantly correlated variables, while t-tests evaluated the difference of real value and predicted value (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

A total of 147 volunteers participated in this study. Significant correlations for DCM were observed with interlateral canthus width (LCW) in males (P < 0.05) and with intermedial canthus width (MCW) in females (P < 0.05). Regression equations based on facial parameters showed no significant differences between predicted and actual values for DCM (P > 0.05), with LCW used for males and MCW for females (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

DCM of the maxillary anterior teeth was found to be associated with facial width, with LCW serving as a potential predictor for males and MCW for females. These findings suggested that facial morphology could be a valuable predictor for DCM.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Facial parameters offer a reliable basis for the precise design of customized abutments, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of clinical prosthodontic treatments, particularly in implantology and aesthetic restoration.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was approved by the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee of Stomatology Hospital of Fujian Medical University (approval no. 2023-24).