Comparison of Arnett’s Soft Tissue Structure Norms of Himachali Female Population with Caucasian Female Population Using Digital Tracing Method: A Cephalometric Study

Abstract

Background: This analysis is a radiographic instrument that was developed directly from the philosophy expressed in Arnett and Bergman "Facial keys to orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning, Parts I and II". The novelty of this approach, as with the "Facial Keys" articles, is an emphasis on soft tissue facial measurement. This article describes comparison of various soft tissue structure traits between Himachali and Caucasian female population that contribute to an aesthetically pleasing face which should be considered during orthodontic treatment. The aim of the present study was to highlightthe differences in soft tissue structure norms between Himachali and Caucasian population. Materials and Methods: Lateral cephalograms of 50Himachali femalesof age group 18-25 years were taken in Department of Orthodontics, Himachal Institute of Dental Sciences, Paonta Sahib and tracing of soft tissue profile as well as related osseous and dental structures were made using Nemoceph software. Then Arnett"s soft tissue structure traits were compared with Himachali traits. Results: The length of upper lip, lower lip, pog-pog" and menton are less in Himachali female population as compared to Caucasian population. Conclusion: All patients cannot be treated to one set of norms as the facial skeleton and its overlying soft tissue is different for different population in females.