3D Evaluation of Gnathion Soft-Tissue Asymmetry Across Different Angle Malocclusions in Kosovar Children and Adolescents
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess gnathion soft-tissue deviation in Kosovar children and adolescents with Angle malocclusions using structured light scanning technology. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 90 children (aged 6–9) and 90 adolescents (aged 10–14). Facial scans were obtained using the MetiSmile facial scanner (Version 2.2.5.6), while intraoral scans were obtained using Aoralscan 3. Gnathion soft-tissue deviation from the midsagittal plane was assessed and categorised as left- or right-sided. Associations of gnathion asymmetry with sex, age group and Angle’s malocclusion classification were analysed using chi-square, Fisher’s exact, Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA by ranks tests. Results: Right-sided gnathion deviation was prevalent in both children (66.7%) and adolescents (72.2%). Right-sided gnathion deviation was more frequently observed than left-sided deviation in both age groups. No significant association was found between gnathion position and age group (p = 0.99), sex (children: χ2 = 0.201, p = 0.654; adolescents: χ2 = 2.072, p = 0.150), or Angle malocclusion classification (children: Fisher’s exact test, p = 0.594; adolescents: Fisher’s exact test, p = 0.435). Likewise, gnathion deviation did not differ significantly among Angle malocclusion groups (children: H = 1.41, p = 0.49; adolescents: H = 4.77, p = 0.09). Conclusions: Within the limitations of this cross-sectional study, mild gnathion soft-tissue asymmetry appears to be a common form of normal craniofacial variation and not a characteristic specifically associated with the type of Angle malocclusion. Three-dimensional facial scanning may provide a clinically applicable and non-invasive method for assessing facial asymmetry in paediatric orthodontic patients.
Source: Applied Sciences
DOI: 10.3390/app16147324
Authors: Fehim Haliti, Kaltrina Veseli, Enis Veseli
Institutions: University of Prishtina, Alma Mater Europaea
Language: English
Subfield: Orthodontics
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
OpenAlex ID: W7170042927