Digital Analysis of the Correlation between the Facial and the Dental Midlines Using AutoCAD Software

Abstract This study aimed to determine the frequency and correlation of facial and dental midlines using AutoCAD software. This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the Department of Prosthodontics, Islamic International Dental College and Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan, from June 2024 to December 2024. A total of 84 adults, including both genders fulfilling the inclusion criteria, were evaluated. A digital camera was used to capture full-face portrait photographs of all subjects showing teeth in maximum intercuspation. The photographs of all the subjects were analyzed using AutoCAD 2020 software to determine correlating facial, maxillary, and mandibular midlines. Data analysis was done using SPSS Version 27. Pearson's correlation test was used to assess associations between facial, maxillary, and mandibular midlines. The maxillary and mandibular dental midline aligned in 27.5% subjects, while the facial-to-maxillary and the facial-to-mandibular midline alignments were 14.3 and 17.8%, respectively. Dental midline deviations were more common on the right side compared to the left. A total of 52.4% of participants had a maxillary-to-facial midline deviation of ≤2 mm (right and left side included), while 33.3% had a deviation >2 mm. Mandibular-facial and maxilla-mandibular midline deviation showed a similar pattern (≤2 mm being more prevalent). The three midlines were correlated using bivariate correlation and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Only one-third of the subjects had aligned maxillary and mandibular dental midlines. In less than half of the participants, the dental and facial midlines were aligned.