Emerging Technologies for Assessing Anthropometric and Dental Variables in the Aging Face - A Scoping Review

Age-related changes in craniofacial morphology—such as skeletal resorption, soft tissue volume loss, altered occlusion, and progressive tooth loss—profoundly affect the vertical dimension and overall aesthetic balance of the ageing face. For plastic surgeons seeking comprehensive facial rejuvenation, these anatomical alterations present both challenges and opportunities. Traditional assessment methods, including two-dimensional imaging and manual anthropometry, often fall short in capturing the complex, three-dimensional interplay between facial structures and dentition. Recent advances in digital technologies—such as three-dimensional facial scanning, cone-beam computed tomography, digital intraoral scanning, and artificial intelligence -driven morphometric analysis—offer high-resolution, reproducible, and non-invasive alternatives for evaluating these variables with greater accuracy. This scoping review examined how such technologies enhance the assessment of craniofacial and dental parameters in adults aged, with a focus on optimizing vertical dimension and facial aesthetics. Using the Patient Intervention Comparison Outcome framework, relevant studies (n = 70) were identified through a structured search and evaluated for methodological rigor and clinical relevance. The findings from n=21 studies were synthesized using Bloom’s Taxonomy as a cognitive framework, enabling a deeper understanding of how these tools contribute to knowledge acquisition, clinical application, and innovation in aesthetic planning. The review highlighted the diagnostic and planning benefits of integrating digital dental data into facial aesthetic procedures, thereby promoting interdisciplinary collaboration between prosthodontists and plastic surgeons. Ultimately, this study emphasized the significance of emerging technologies in enabling personalized, evidence-based approaches to facial rejuvenation in aging populations, with a specific focus on restoring vertical dimension and attaining harmonious aesthetic results.