Analysis of the soft tissue facial profile by means of angular measurements

Abstract

An aesthetically pleasing and balanced face is one of the objectives of orthodontic treatment. An understanding of the soft tissues and their normal ranges enables a treatment plan to be formulated to normalize the facial traits for a given individual. The aim of this study was to evaluate the variables defining the soft tissue facial profile of a Croatian (Caucasian) sample, by means of angular measurements typically used for aesthetic treatment goals. Additionally, gender differences were tested. The soft tissue facial profiles of 110 dental students (52 males and 58 females) between 23 and 28 years of age at the University of Zagreb, Croatia, with a dental Class I occlusal relationship and harmonious soft tissue profile were studied by means of standardized photographs taken in the natural head position (NHP). To compare males and females, a Student's t-test was used. The reliability of the method was analysed using Dahlberg's formula. There were distinct gender differences. All angles were larger in females: nasofrontal (G-N-Nd, females = 139.11 degrees; males 136.38 degrees; P = 0.030), nasolabial (Cm-Sn-Ls, females = 109.39 degrees; males = 105.42 degrees; P = 0.018), mentolabial (Li-Sm-Pg, females = 134.5 degrees; males = 129.26 degrees; P = 0.019), and nasal tip angle (N-Prn-Cm, female = 84.12 degrees; male = 79.85; P = 0.001). The greatest variability was found for mentolabial angle. The findings demonstrate a distinct profile trait for female Croatian patients compared with male subjects.

The Nasolabial Angle Among Patients with Total Cleft Lip and Palate

“…The nasolabial angle in the control group does not differ much from the reference angle (109.8°) and lies between the 90-120° reference values, but is smaller in girls, which is a different result from the values reported in the literature [14,15]. The angle in patients with clefts is sharper, but still lies within the reference values of 90-120°.…”

“…Recent studies show that the average value of the nasolabial angle might in fact be smaller in the general population, though 90-120° is reported. This might result in a changing of perception of the visual "norms" of a facial profile [14,15]. Reduction of the nasolabial angle in patients with clefts is observed and determines the characteristic profile of these individuals [16] …”

Evaluation of the Craniofacial Morphology of Egyptian Adults Undergoing Orthodontic Treatment

“…The mean value is 122 ± 11.7 but more pronounced angle can bee seen in Class II and vertical maxillary deficiency cases. On the other hand, more uprighted lower incisors tend to enlarge the angle [27][28][29]. In our study, the nasolabial angle was 100.65 for males and 100.70 for females, whereas the mentolabial angle was 121.21 for males and 124.31 for females with no significant difference between males and females (P=0.177 and P=0.394, respectively).…”

“…The nasolabial angle can be changed by orthodontic or surgical treatment as it depends on the anteroposterior position or inclination of the upper anterior teeth [27]. The nasolabial angle should be 102 ± 8 degrees regardless to whether the orthodontic or surgical correction is indicated [28].…”

A Computer-assisted Angular Photogrammetric Analysis of the Soft Tissue Facial Profile of North Indian Adults

“…Many authors have photogrammetrically used soft tissue parameters and soft tissue facial analyses. [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21] Other photographic methods to quantify facial esthetics have also been used. 22 It is not only the orthodontist but other specialists as well like prosthodontists, plastic surgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, who work in the field of maxillofacial region and have the capability to change the soft tissue facial features.…”