Analysis of soft tissue facial profile in white males

Abstract

Three of the integumental variables, namely, the total facial convexity, upper lip to esthetic plane, and lower lip length, showed significant measurement errors in the preadolescent boys. Large standard deviations were also found for several variables in both age groups. This suggests that a range of values, rather than means, should be used in clinical cephalometric evaluations. A table of means, standard deviations, and ranges for the variables evaluated is provided. The nasolabial and the mentolabial angles did not differ significantly between the younger and the older age groups. The total soft tissue facial convexity was noted to have a marginally significant difference between the adults and children. Other variables were significantly different between the two age groups, and indicated that the adults had a relatively straighter facial profile than the children. In addition, the upper and lower lips were more retrusive relative to the esthetic plane in adults. Sagittal proportions relating nasal depth/nose to most protrusive lip/chin to most protrusive lip were found to have a ratio of 2.1:1.0:1.2 in children and 1.8:1.0:0.3 in adults.