Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Orthopedic Face Mask Treatment Using Artificial Intelligence on Two-Dimensional Photographs

Maxillary protraction procedure with an orthopedic face mask is a method frequently used in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion due to maxillary retrognathia.

Aim.
The aim of this study is to evaluate the changes in the parameters measured in two-dimensional frontal and profile photographs taken at the beginning (T0) and at the end (T1) of orthopedic face mask (FM) treatment in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion, using artificial intelligence (AI).

Material and methods.
A total of 23 patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion receiving orthopedic FM treatment were included in the study. Eight parameters were evaluated in this study: Nasolabial Angle, Mentolabial Angle, Chin Projection Angle, Frankfurt Horizontal–A'B' angle, Upper Lip/Lower Lip Ratio, Midface/Lower Face Ratio, Upper Lip–E-Line, Lower lip – E-line.

Results.
Except for the Nasolabial Angle, significant changes were observed in all parameters between the T0 and T1 measurements. A moderate negative correlation was found between the angle formed by the Frankfurt Horizontal–A'B' angle and the Upper Lip/Lower Lip Ratio and Upper Lip–E-line distance. A moderate positive correlation was found between the distance of the Lower Lip to the E-line and the Midface/Lower Face Ratio and Upper Lip to E-line distance.

Conclusion.
The use of analysis with AI is an effective, easy, and inexpensive method to evaluate changes in facial structures caused by treatment in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion.