The Role of Aesthetics in Contemporary Orthodontic Diagnosis and Treatment

Abstract

Subject. Facial aesthetics is an important motivating factor for many patients seeking orthodontic treatment. 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. Aim. The aim of the present study is to further investigate the use of soft tissue analysis in the quantification of facial profile, and to investigate differences between different ethnic and gender groups. Methodology. A number of studies considered on various aspects of facial measurements in orthodontics. Results. Skeletal, dental and facial profile differences exist, when subjects from distinct ethnic groups are compared. Thus, each group should be evaluated differently, considering their racial characteristics, in order to produce better diagnosis and treatment planning. The necessity and acceptability of teeth extraction during orthodontic treatment and its effects on facial profile, has greatly concerned orthodontists for many years and has not lost its urgency till now. However, the definition of an attractive and pleasing face is subjective, with many factors involved (culture, personality, ethnic background, age). On the other hand, several medical specialties (orthognathic and plastic surgery, orthodontics, dental prosthetics) have the ability to change facial features. Hence, there is a need for clinicians working in the maxillofacial area to know the aesthetic standards of a face that guide the aesthetic soft tissue treatment goals in their patients. Conclusion: It will be useful to conduct investigations for further definitions and observations of correlated relationship between hard and soft tissues of maxillofacial system by taking into consideration: the patient's age at time of treatment, type of anomaly, differences in maxillofacial anatomical structures of various ethnic groups.