Deep Learning-based Assessment of Facial Asymmetry Using U-Net Deep Convolutional Neural Network Algorithm

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN)-based computer-assisted diagnosis (CAD) system to detect facial asymmetry on posteroanterior (PA) cephalograms and compare the results of the DCNN with those made by the orthodontist.

Materials and methods: PA cephalograms of 1020 patients with orthodontics were used to train the DCNN-based CAD systems for autoassessment of facial asymmetry, the degree of menton deviation, and the coordinates of its regarding landmarks. Twenty-five PA cephalograms were used to test the performance of the DCNN in analyzing facial asymmetry. The diagnostic performance of the DCNN-based CAD system was assessed using independent t -tests and Bland-Altman plots.

Results: Comparison between the DCNN-based CAD system and conventional analysis confirmed no significant differences. Bland-Altman plots showed good agreement for all the measurements.

Conclusions: The DCNN-based CAD system might offer a clinically acceptable diagnostic evaluation of facial asymmetry on PA cephalograms.