Non-invasive 3D facial analysis and surface electromyography during functional pre-orthodontic therapy: a preliminary report.

Objectives: Functional orthodontic devices can modify oral function thus permitting more adequate growth processes. The assessment of their effects should include both facial morphology and muscle function. This preliminary study investigated whether a preformed functional orthodontic device could induce variations in facial morphology and function along with correction of oral dysfunction in a group of orthodontic patients in the mixed and early permanent dentitions.

Three-dimensional computerized anthropometry of the nose: landmark representation compared to surface analysis.

Objective: To compare three-dimensional nasal measurements directly made on subjects to those made on plaster casts, and nasal dimensions obtained with a surface-based approach to values obtained with a landmark representation.

Methods: Soft-tissue nasal landmarks were directly digitized on 20 healthy adults. Stone casts of their noses were digitized and mathematically reconstructed using nonuniform rational B-splines (NURBS) curves.

Quantification of translational and gliding components in human temporomandibular joint during mouth opening.

Objective: In humans, the opening movement of the mouth requires a complex combination of rotation in the lower temporomandibular joint compartment and of translation in the upper compartment. The aim of the current study was to quantitatively assess the percentage contribution of rotation and translation movements of the mandible at maximum mouth opening in normal, healthy individuals.

Design: Free, habitual movements of mouth opening were recorded in 12 men and 15 women aged 19-30 years using an optoelectronic three-dimensional motion analyser.