Posterior molar intrusion in patients with skeletal vertical excess is an approach aimed to reduce facial height dimensions and promote autorotation of the mandible. Often these patients also present with an anterior open bite. Controversy exists around the magnitude, if any at all, in mandibular autorotation and projection of the chin with this approach. Lateral cephalograms have been typically used to evaluate the changes resulting of TAD-based posterior intrusion. These radiographic images are primarily taken prior to any orthodontic intervention and after orthodontic treatment. Due to radiation, more frequent evaluation of the facial changes is not desirable. With the advent of photogrammetry, 3D facial changes with TAD-based intrusion can be evaluated in shorter time intervals. Additionally, the 3D nature of these photos, allows to monitor surface changes in the perimandibular/labial region in great detail. This lecture will highlight how TAD-based molar intrusion soft tissue changes can be monitored in short intervals in 3D with photogrammetry.


Learning Objectives
After this lecture, you will be able to illustrate how photogrammetry can be used to evaluate facial changes in a “real time” manner (every 3-5 months) in response to TAD-based molar intrusion in patient s with skeletal vertical excess.
After this lecture, you will be able to describe the facial changes observed in 3D with TAD- based molar intrusion in the lips and surrounding soft tissue structures.
After this lecture, you will be able to recall case samples of patients with TAD-based molar intrusion followed with 3D photogrammetry and highlight some of the changes observed.