Statement of problem: Edentulism results in loss of lip support and altered facial morphology. Complete dentures aim to restore function and facial esthetics; however, the magnitude and predictability of associated linear, angular, and 3-dimensional (3D) soft-tissue changes have not been comprehensively quantified using facial scanning.
Purpose: The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the linear, angular, and 3D facial soft-tissue changes associated with maxillary complete denture rehabilitation.
Material and methods: Forty-two edentulous participants wearing maxillary complete dentures for at least 1 year underwent six 3D facial scans: with and without the denture and in 3 facial positions (rest, lips closed, and smiling). Linear and angular measurements were derived from 12 soft-tissue landmarks, and 3D surface changes were quantified using superimposition-based deviation analysis. Random intercept regression models and median regression were used to assess the effects of denture condition, facial position, age, and sex (α=.05).
Results: Wearing the complete denture significantly increased upper lip projection (β=.89 mm; 95% CI, 0.43-1.34; P<.01) and decreased lower lip height (β=-.65 mm; 95% CI, -1.01 to -0.28; P<.01). The nasolabial angle decreased by a mean of 6.48 degrees (95% CI, -8.40 to -4.57; P<.01), while no significant change was observed in the sagittal facial profile (pronasal-pogonion). Three-dimensional analysis demonstrated localized perioral soft-tissue expansion, with the greatest changes observed in the rest position. Strong linear associations were observed between measurements obtained with and without dentures, indicating soft-tissue responses following rehabilitation.
Conclusions: Complete denture rehabilitation produced consistent and systematic changes in perioral soft tissue support, particularly affecting upper lip position and the nasolabial angle. High-resolution 3D facial scanning was effective for quantifying these prosthetic effects and may enhance esthetic assessment and treatment planning in edentulous patients.
