STUDY OF THE FACIAL MORPHOLOGY OF YOUNG BULGARIANS WITH 3D LASER SCAN

AIM: The aim of study was to make a cephalometric characterization of young Bulgarians using 3D laser scan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 46 males and 49 females of Bulgarian origin aged 21-30 years. Three-dimensional images were obtained using a hand-held laser scanner (FastSCAN Cobra, Polhemus Inc., Colchester VT). A set of probing points on the obtained images were used to make certain facial measurements: morphological face height, physiognomical upper facial height, lower face height. The data were statistically analyzed in SPSS 17.0. RESULTS: The facial measurements were significantly greater in males than in females. For morphological facial height most of the individuals were in very high category. For physiognomical upper facial height majority of males were in category high and females in moderate high. Regarding lower facial height most of the individuals were assessed as metriognath. CONCLUSION: The data obtained characterizing facial morphology can be used as criteria in genetic disorders diagnosis and outcome assessment in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery.