Analysis of changes in the thickness, elasticity and facial aesthetic index of the lip soft tissue before and after implant restoration in patients with maxillary anterior tooth loss

doi:10.19439/j.sjos.2026.03.009

Abstract

Abstract: PURPOSE: To analyze the changes in the thickness, elasticity and facial aesthetic index of the lip soft tissue before and after implant restoration in patients with maxillary anterior tooth loss. METHODS: A total of 96 patients with missing maxillary anterior teeth who underwent implantation-fixed restoration in the maxillary anterior teeth area from January 2021 to January 2025 were selected. The baseline data, CBCT results and 3D facial scanning data of the patients were collected, and the success rate of implantation and complications were recorded. The changes of lip soft tissue thickness, elasticity and facial aesthetic index were compared before implantation (T0), at insertion of the guide plate (T1) and after final restoration (T2). Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between postoperative aesthetic outcomes and changes in lip soft tissue. RESULTS: The implant survival rate was 100% (96/96). Postoperative complications included 3 cases of swelling, 2 cases of bleeding, and 5 cases of pain, all of them resolved after treatment. No severe complications such as infection, nerve injury or implant fracture occurred. Compared to T0, upper lip length significantly increased at T1 and T2, while upper lip thickness and nasolabial angle significantly decreased, and lower facial height significantly increased (P<0.05). The pink aesthetic score (PES) at TI and T2 was significantly higher than that at T0 (P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that PES was positively correlated with the length of the upper lip and the height of the lower face, and negatively correlated with the thickness and nasolabial angle (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Implant-supported fixed restoration in the maxillary anterior region significantly improves lip support and enhances facial aesthetics in patients with anterior tooth loss, with good treatment safety and no serious complication.

Key words: Maxillary anterior tooth loss, Implant restoration, Lip soft tissue, Facial aesthetics

CLC Number:

R783.4

Qi Lulu, Jiao Tiejun, Wang Xiaobo, Liang Huiling, Huo Jinrong. Analysis of changes in the thickness, elasticity and facial aesthetic index of the lip soft tissue before and after implant restoration in patients with maxillary anterior tooth loss[J]. Shanghai Journal of Stomatology, 2026, 35(3): 276-280.

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