Three-dimensional craniofacial morphology predicts periodontal tissue dimensions using the facial scanner.

BACKGROUND

Despite growing interest in dentofacial interactions, evidence linking three-dimensional (3D) craniofacial morphology to periodontal phenotypes remains sparse. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate correlations between maxillary anterior periodontal parameters and 3D craniofacial morphology in a Chinese population.

METHODS

Participants underwent cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and intraoral scans to quantify bone thickness (BT) (at 2 mm [BT1] and 4 mm [BT2] apical to the alveolar crest), gingival thickness (GT) (at cemento-enamel junction [GTcej] and bone crest [GTbc]), and periodontal supra-crestal tissue height (PSTH). A 3D facial scanner measured vertical dimensions (facial height [FH], morphological facial height [MFH], nasal height [NH], lip height [LH]), and proportional indices (facial index [FI], morphological facial index [MFI], nasal index [NI], and lip index [LI]). Pearson correlations were performed to determine relationships between periodontal and craniofacial variables with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

A total of 96 adults (576 maxillary anterior teeth) participated in this study. NI, FH, MFH, and NH correlated positively with BT1 (r > 0.3, p < 0.05) and BT2 (r > 0.3, p < 0.05). Craniofacial indices (FI, MFI, and NI) exhibited significant positive associations with GTcej and GTbc (r > 0.3, p < 0.05), except lip-related parameters. FI and MFI showed significant correlations with PSTH (r > 0.3, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Brachyfacial morphology and broader/shorter nasal dimensions were found associated with thinner gingiva, reduced alveolar bone, and lower PSTH in the maxillary anterior region. These findings highlight craniofacial morphology as a potential predictor of periodontal vulnerability.

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: People with shorter, broader facial structures tend to have thinner gum and bone tissues around teeth compared to those with longer, narrower faces, meaning their facial shape could help dentists predict and personalize treatments to avoid gum problems or implant issues.