Facial AsymmetryNCT07807657
Asymmetry Index From Photogrammetric Analysis
An observational study of Facial Asymmetry, run by Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS at 1 site in Italy.
Trial summary
We propose a transversal observational study, to be performed on three-dimensional images acquired through photogrammetry of patients who will undergo orthodontic treatments. The aim of our research consists in the evaluation of facial asymmetry through a graph built on three degrees of Asymmetry Index (symmetry… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 40 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Facial Asymmetry
- What is being tested?
- stereophotogrammetry
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 1 siteItaly
- Study dates
- 1 Mar 2018to 1 Sep 2021
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 40 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Study population: • Patients requesting orthodontic therapy
Who may be able to join
- between the ages of 18 and 40;
- absence of craniofacial deformities.
Who cannot join
- must not have undergone orthodontic treatments in the past;
- must not have performed orthognathic surgery;
- must not have suffered facial trauma.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: ASYMMETRY INDEX FOR THE PHOTOGRAMMETRIC EVALUATION OF THE DEGREE OF FACIAL ASYMMETRY
We propose a transversal observational study, to be performed on three-dimensional images acquired through photogrammetry of patients who will undergo orthodontic treatments. The aim of our research consists in the evaluation of facial asymmetry through a graph built on three degrees of Asymmetry Index (symmetry, slight asymmetry, asymmetry) in an Italian population that meets the criteria of absence of craniofacial deformities and that has not undergone surgery or orthodontic treatment.
For the analysis, images acquired via photogrammetry are used, then analyzed with the Geomagic Control 2014 program (64 bit).
Read the detailed description
Facial symmetry is considered one of the most significant factors in the perception of facial attractiveness. A slight degree of asymmetry is common in the human face and often does not require any treatment], as it is camouflaged by the presence of soft tissue, dental compensation or change in head posture .
However, the problem of asymmetry is difficult to manage for the dentist and, in particular, for the orthodontist. In fact, there are many etiological factors related to the development of facial asymmetry and asymmetries that share the same etiology can have different characteristics, as they are influenced by other factors, such as individual growth and compensation.
In fact, at the very moment of the physical examination, it is often not easy to identify the degree of severity of the patient's facial asymmetry. During the clinical examination, dental and skeletal asymmetry can be evaluated: facial asymmetry can be investigated by simple observation of the patient .
However, the aid of instrumental radiological examinations has always been considered the choice for determining the degree of asymmetry.
Orthopantomography is one of the first diagnostic tests that is performed, thanks to its low cost and low radiation dose.
The analysis of teleradiographs appears to be, however, the most reliable and most used means over time for the diagnosis of asymmetry. Traditional radiographic examinations, however, (PA and SV projection teleradiographs) have limitations in determining the diagnosis of asymmetry as they make a three-dimensional image two-dimensional, which can lead to distortions and errors in image projection .
The development of computed tomography (CT), cone beam (CBCT) and stereophotogrammetry have brought about a new era in the field of asymmetry diagnosis . 3D images have greatly reduced the magnification and projection errors common in conventional radiographs while providing an important aid in the evaluation of asymmetry. They can also offer accurate and more detailed information for diagnosis and treatment planning by allowing quantitative measurements and comparisons between the right and left sides of the face.
The introduction of non-invasive three-dimensional image acquisition via photogrammetry has made it possible to view the patient's face from different angles providing the possibility to perform accurate measurements of lengths, areas, angles and volumes.
Although the nature of the asymmetry is complex and the characteristics are different, there have been some attempts to create a systematic classification of facial asymmetry.
- Conditions
- Facial Asymmetry
- Being tested
- stereophotogrammetry
- Keywords
- facial asymmetry, malocclusion, stereophotogrammetry
- Medical subject headings
- Facial Asymmetry, Malocclusion
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
stereophotogrammetryOther
acquisition of a stereophotographic image on which to make 3D measurements
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| stereophotogrammetry of orthodontic patients | To evaluate face asymmetry, the mirroring technique described in the literature by Verhoeven et al. on 16 facial landmarks, defined by Farkas.
Subsequently, the landmarks will be divided into:
* symmetrical (delta between 0-2 mm),
* slightly asymmetrical (delta between 2-4 mm),
* asymmetrical (delta between 4-6 mm).
An asymmetry graph will then be constructed taking into account the asymmetry index described in the literature by Huang et al. Receives: Other: stereophotogrammetry |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Asymmetry index
construction of a facial asymmetry index useful for distinguishing patients who can be treated with orthodontics from those who need maxillofacial surgery
Measured: 3 years
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted8 Sep 2026
- Study start1 Mar 2018
- Primary completion30 May 2021
- Study completion1 Sep 2021
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Facial AsymmetryStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Case-control
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Grippaudo Cristina, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS
- Investigators
- Cristina Grippaudo, DDS, MD, Principal investigator, Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07807657
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 1945
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 9 Feb 2023
- Last updated
- 8 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 8 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- ASYMMETRY INDEX FOR THE PHOTOGRAMMETRIC EVALUATION OF THE DEGREE OF FACIAL ASYMMETRY
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07807657
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 1945
- Conditions
- Facial Asymmetry
- Keywords
- facial asymmetry, malocclusion, stereophotogrammetry
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCSUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Mar 2018 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 May 2021 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 Sep 2021 (actual)
- First posted
- 8 Sep 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
We propose a transversal observational study, to be performed on three-dimensional images acquired through photogrammetry of patients who will undergo orthodontic treatments. The aim of our research consists in the evaluation of facial asymmetry through a graph built on three degrees of Asymmetry Index (symmetry, slight asymmetry, asymmetry) in an Italian population that meets the criteria of absence of craniofacial deformities and that has not undergone surgery or orthodontic treatment.
For the analysis, images acquired via photogrammetry are used, then analyzed with the Geomagic Control 2014 program (64 bit).
Detailed description
Facial symmetry is considered one of the most significant factors in the perception of facial attractiveness. A slight degree of asymmetry is common in the human face and often does not require any treatment], as it is camouflaged by the presence of soft tissue, dental compensation or change in head posture .
However, the problem of asymmetry is difficult to manage for the dentist and, in particular, for the orthodontist. In fact, there are many etiological factors related to the development of facial asymmetry and asymmetries that share the same etiology can have different characteristics, as they are influenced by other factors, such as individual growth and compensation.
In fact, at the very moment of the physical examination, it is often not easy to identify the degree of severity of the patient's facial asymmetry. During the clinical examination, dental and skeletal asymmetry can be evaluated: facial asymmetry can be investigated by simple observation of the patient .
However, the aid of instrumental radiological examinations has always been considered the choice for determining the degree of asymmetry.
Orthopantomography is one of the first diagnostic tests that is performed, thanks to its low cost and low radiation dose.
The analysis of teleradiographs appears to be, however, the most reliable and most used means over time for the diagnosis of asymmetry. Traditional radiographic examinations, however, (PA and SV projection teleradiographs) have limitations in determining the diagnosis of asymmetry as they make a three-dimensional image two-dimensional, which can lead to distortions and errors in image projection .
The development of computed tomography (CT), cone beam (CBCT) and stereophotogrammetry have brought about a new era in the field of asymmetry diagnosis . 3D images have greatly reduced the magnification and projection errors common in conventional radiographs while providing an important aid in the evaluation of asymmetry. They can also offer accurate and more detailed information for diagnosis and treatment planning by allowing quantitative measurements and comparisons between the right and left sides of the face.
The introduction of non-invasive three-dimensional image acquisition via photogrammetry has made it possible to view the patient's face from different angles providing the possibility to perform accurate measurements of lengths, areas, angles and volumes.
Although the nature of the asymmetry is complex and the characteristics are different, there have been some attempts to create a systematic classification of facial asymmetry.
Study design
- Observational model
- Case-control
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| stereophotogrammetry of orthodontic patients | – | Other: stereophotogrammetryTo evaluate face asymmetry, the mirroring technique described in the literature by Verhoeven et al. on 16 facial landmarks, defined by Farkas. Subsequently, the landmarks will be divided into: * symmetrical (delta between 0-2 mm), * slightly asymmetrical (delta between 2-4 mm), * asymmetrical (delta between 4-6 mm). An asymmetry graph will then be constructed taking into account the asymmetry index described in the literature by Huang et al. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 40 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
- Study population
- • Patients requesting orthodontic therapy
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- between the ages of 18 and 40;
- absence of craniofacial deformities.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- must not have undergone orthodontic treatments in the past;
- must not have performed orthognathic surgery;
- must not have suffered facial trauma.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| stereophotogrammetryacquisition of a stereophotographic image on which to make 3D measurements | Other | stereophotogrammetry of orthodontic patients |
Primary outcome
Asymmetry index
Time frame: 3 years
construction of a facial asymmetry index useful for distinguishing patients who can be treated with orthodontics from those who need maxillofacial surgery
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 8 Sep 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Cristina Grippaudo, DDS, MD principal investigator
Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Facial Asymmetry, run by Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS at 1 site in Italy.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 8 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Italy. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Asymmetry index (time frame: 3 years). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 8 Sep 2026.