EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CORRECTION OF FACIAL ASYMMETRY IN CHILDREN WITH UNILATERAL CROSSBITE USING THE “GOLDEN RATIO MASK” DIAGNOSTIC METHOD

Facial asymmetry, with a prevalence of up to 40 %, has a significant impact on both oral health and self-image. This highlights the clinical relevance of this issue for orthodontic practice. The “Golden Ratio Mask” serves as a tool to visualize areas of facial disharmony and to demonstrate treatment goals and outcomes, thereby improving patient compliance. The subject of the study is the diagnostic capabilities of the “Golden Ratio Mask” (Marquardt’s mask) when used in combination with a modern digital method for asymmetry assessment in orthodontic planning and treatment. The aim of the study is to analyze facial parameters before and after orthodontic treatment in children using the “Golden Ratio Mask.” Material and Methods. Facial parameters were analyzed in 45 children aged 3–17 years with unilateral crossbite before and after orthodontic treatment. The patients were divided into three groups: group 1 – children aged 3–5 years (n = 15), group 2 – children aged 6–11 years (n = 15), and group 3 – children aged 12–17 years (n = 15). Assessment was performed using the golden ratio mask applied to frontal photographs with the Picsart graphic editor, based on 16 reference lines of the mask. To assess chin deviation, three additional vertical lines were introduced by the authors. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney tests (α = 0.05). Results. A statistically significant improvement in facial parameters was observed in all groups (p <0.001). The greatest effect was observed in group 1, where the mean number of corrected lines was 7.67. In groups 2 and 3, this value was lower (5.13 and 5.27, respectively). The maximum potential for restoring facial symmetry in unilateral crossbite is achieved when treatment is initiated at the age of 3–5 years.