Analysis of soft tissue facial profile in different vertical growth patterns

Abstract EN

To investigate the difference in soft tissue facial morphology in various groups of vertical facial pattern and to explore gender dimorphism within each type.

Materials and Methods : One hundred and twenty Iraqi adults (60 males and 60 females) with Class I normal occlusion were selected.

Standardized lateral cephalometric radiograph was taken for each subject and then the sample was divided into 3 groups according to vertical pattern, short, average and long facial types.

Thirteen linear measurements were recorded on each lateral cephalometric radiograph and the data were analyzed using one way analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple range analysis test and independent sample t test at p < 0.05.

Results : The short faced subjects showed the lowest dimension for lower facial height and lower lip height, while the long faced subjects exhibited thicker lower lip thickness at point B than the other 2 types.

Gender dimorphism was recorded, as males showed thicker upper lip and lower lips, as well as longer upper facial height and lower lip height in the 3 groups of facial type.

Conclusions : The soft tissue drape particularly facial vertical dimensions are influenced by the underlying skeletal vertical pattern.