Lip and perioral soft tissue changes after bracket bonding using 3-D laser scanner

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the lip and perioral soft tissue changes after bracket bonding. Methods: The soft tissue changes in 45 adult patients (age greater than 18 years and less than 29 years) without severe skeletal discrepancy were evaluated using three-dimensional images acquired with a laser scanner before and after bracket bonding was performed using 4 types of labial orthodontic brackets. Results: Among the statistically significant changes in distance observed for the landmarks, the biggest change was observed in forward movement. The landmarks on the lateral sides also showed significant changes. While the landmarks on the upper lip showed significant upward movement, those on the lower lip showed significant downward movement. However, the changes were smaller for the landmarks on the upper lip (average, 0.87 mm) than for the landmarks on the lower lip (average, 1.21 mm). The type of bracket used did not significantly affect the soft tissue changes. Conclusions: These findings will help predict soft tissue changes after bracket bonding for orthodontic treatment. (Korean J Orthod 2011;41(4411-422)