Aesthetic Changes of Edentulous Patients Before and After Full-Arch Implant Restoration by 3D Facial Scanning

Edentulism can lead to psychological occlusal fatigue, dysphonia, facial deformity, and reduced quality of life. Recovery of facial aesthetics is a major concern, but traditional two-dimensional photographs cannot accurately evaluate three-dimensional facial changes after full-arch implant restoration. Facial scanning technology enables high-precision facial scanning and measurement. This prospective case series enrolled edentulous patients. Preoperative and postoperative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and intraoral scans were obtained and imported into a three-dimensional (3D) facial scanner, where they were reconstructed into 3D models for evaluation. A total of 10 patients (four men and six women) were included. The mean age was 64.9 ± 11.4 years (range, 38-78 years), and the mean follow-up was 15.9 months (range, 12-24 months). All patients underwent 3D facial scanning before and after implant restoration and were evaluated for facial aesthetic parameters. All patients had satisfactory outcomes without major complications. The method accurately validated postoperative facial transformation in all patients. Measured aesthetic parameters indicated favorable improvement in facial contour, including increased lower facial and lip convexity. The nasolabial angle decreased by 5.21° ± 3.8°, vertical distance increased by 4.2 ± 1.3 mm, and perilabial volume increased by 2.2 ± 1.1 cm