With the advent of cephalometrics in the 1930s, numerous studies have focused on the profile of a face to achieve a more esthetic orthodontic treatment outcome. With such heavy emphasis on facial esthetics, a shift in focus from the profile view to the oblique view has become necessary as the smile in the oblique view is what the general public evaluates. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine whether the current tools for diagnosis and treatment evaluation are sufficient. Currently,

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... -dimensional composite photographs are utilized in evaluating the soft tissue. At Temple University, 3-dimensional images, which show all sides of the patient's face, are used adjunctively to 2-dimensional composite photographs. In this study, faculty members at the Temple University Department of Orthodontics were asked to complete surveys after viewing two different image modalities, 2-dimensional images and a 3-dimensional video of the same patient. They were asked to fill out the soft tissue goals for specific facial landmarks. Patient photos were in the smiling view as current literature lacks studies on this view. Faculty members' responses from analyzing the 2-dimensional images and 3-dimensional video for each patient were compared to determine which areas had frequent discrepancies from using two different image modalities. During the survey, a voice recorder captured any comments regarding the images. The ultimate goal of this qualitative pilot study was to identify when 3-dimensional imaging is necessary in treatment planning and evaluation, with an added hope to further advance research in 3-dimensional imaging and its vast possibilities to advance the field of orthodontics. Based on the data collected, the following conclusions were made: 1. The qualitative data highlighted that 3-dimensional imaging would be necessary in cases with skeletal deformities. 2. In the oblique view, 3-dimensional imaging is superior than 2-dimensional imaging by showing more accurate shadow, contour, and depth of the soft tissue. 3 [...]