바이오 급속교정의 핵심 진단법: TWEeMAC (트위맥) 안면 분석법의 소개

Key Diagnosis of Biocreative Orthodontic Strategy (BOS): TWEeMAC Facial Analysis

When deciding between extraction and non-extraction orthodontic treatments for patients, it is necessary not only to consider the space required for tooth movement, but also to prepare in advance for an environment that can be safely maintained during and after the treatment process. To achieve this treatment goal, Biocreative Orthodontic Strategy (BOS) focuses more on the maxillomandibular complex and the impact of orthodontic treatment on the lower face. TWEeMAC facial analysis allows for a simple and effective evaluation of dentofacial problems using a minimal number of landmarks. The TWEeMAC facial analysis involves three elements suggested by the Tweed-Merrifield philosophy, R.G. Wick Alexander, and Kyu-Rhim Chung. In addition to these characteristics, what makes TWEeMAC analysis different from conventional analysis methods is that it evaluates the degree of harmony of the facial lower third soft tissue as well as X-ray findings. Since the mouth is one of the most important components of facial attractiveness, the aesthetic line from the soft subnasale to the soft menton, named the “Vertical S Line (VSL),” should be considered. The VSL is composed of six key evaluation points: the naso-labial angle, labial vertical, and labial thickness for upper VSL evaluation, and the labio-mental fold, chin vertical, and chin thickness for lower VSL evaluation. The most important aspect of the TWEeMAC analysis for evaluating the VSL is not to focus on the exact numbers, but rather to assess the harmonious or disharmonious tendencies. (Clin J Korean Assoc Orthod 2024;14(4):344-355)