Soft Tissue Profile Changes in Patients With Class II malocclusion

Abstract

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to identify the soft tissue profile outcomes of orthodontic treatment of Class II, division 1 malocclusion patients and to determine if these changes are related with different treatment protocol.MethodsThe sample of this study consisted of 50 Caucasian patients [22 males; 28 females], with a mean age of 15.8 years. The sample was divided in two groups (both groups treated with multibracket therapy): first group was non-extraction group [25 patients] treated first with the Herbst appliance, and second group was four premolars extraction group [25 patients] treated with a multibracket appliance. The patients’ pre- and post-treatment profile photographs were used, and the soft tissue landmarks were identified. Afterwards, the angular parameters were determined on each photo. Paired-sample t-test was used for intragroup comparisons. For testing the differences in all parameter values between groups, two-sample t test was used.ResultsThe improvement in the non-extraction group was evident in the decrease of the nasomental angle [P=0.02], the angle representing the projection of the upper lip to the chin [P=0.01], as well as the upper lip angle [P=0.01]. On the other hand, the nasolabial angle increased significantly [P=0.01], as well as the mentolabial angle [P=0.02]. In the extraction group, the nasolabial angle showed a significant increase [P=0.03]. Two soft tissue variables showed significant differences between the groups: the total facial angle or facial convexity including the nose [P=0.04] and the angle presenting the projection of the upper lip to chin [P=0.01].ConclusionsThe patients treated without extractions showed a significant improvement of the convex profile and favorable soft tissue changes in the lower third of the face. The orthodontic treatment of Class II, division 1 malocclusions induce positive effects on the soft tissue facial profile, which depends on different treatment protocols.