Examining the Long-Term Effects of Early Orthodontic Treatments on Facial Features: A Cephalometric Analysis.

• Ahmed Aref Ahmed Abuhajar

  Alasmarya Islamic University, Libya

  Author

This retrospective cohort study investigates the long-term effects of early orthodontic treatments on facial features using cephalometric analysis. A total of 120 participants (60 intervention, 60 control), aged 18–25 years at follow-up, were analyzed. The intervention group received orthodontic treatment (braces, functional appliances, or headgear) during the mixed dentition phase (ages 6–12), while the control group had untreated malocclusions matched for age, sex, and malocclusion type. Cephalometric radiographs at baseline (T0) and 10+ years post-treatment (T1) were assessed for skeletal (ANB, SNA, SNB, mandibular plane angle, Y-axis), soft tissue (nasolabial angle, lip position, soft tissue convexity), and vertical (lower anterior facial height, facial height ratio) parameters. The intervention group showed significant improvements in ANB angle (-1.6 ± 0.8°, p<0.001), SNB angle (+0.9 ± 0.6°, p<0.001), nasolabial angle (+3.8 ± 2.1°, p<0.001), and lip position (p<0.001), with functional appliances yielding greater mandibular advancement. The control group exhibited minimal changes. Early interventions produced sustained skeletal and aesthetic improvements, supporting their efficacy in optimizing long-term facial morphology.

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