Abstract: Objective：To collect and analyze the three-dimensional (3D) facial profile variation of edentulous patients restored by complete denture. Methods: The 3D facial images of 20 Atwood Class Ⅱ edentulous patients were taken by DSC-2 3D facial imaging system before and after restoration of complete denture．Then, the two 3D facial images of each patient before and after restoration were registered in the same coordinate system by partial structure overlap. The differences between these two 3D facial images were statistically analyzed. Results: The major facial profile variation of Atwood Class Ⅱ edentulous patients restored by complete denture focused in the area around the upper lip and the corner of the mouth. The change of lower lip and chin area was not obvious. The shift in the sagittal direction was significantly more evident than that in the vertical direction, while the shift in the horizontal direction was the least one. Conclusion: The pattern of facial profile variation of edentulous patients restored by complete denture based on 3D imaging may provide reliable data support for prediction and communication in clinical practice.

Key words: Imaging, three-dimensional, Face, Prosthodontics