Cephalometric analysis of upper lip thickness as a critical aid in formulating a treatment plan in skeletal Class I malocclusion in adults

Abstract

It is very crucial to understand that both soft tissue drape and the underlying skeletal malocclusion, are sometimes overlooked and this could be misleading for diagnosis and treatment planning .Therefore a sound knowledge of underlying malocclusion and CTP (cephalometric treatment planning) along with accurate clinical examination can aid in better diagnosis and treatment planning. The objective of this study is to understand that soft tissue drape and underlying skeletal malocclusion in Angle’s class I malocclusion could be misleading in treatment planning and therefore to perform necessary cephalometric hard and soft tissue analysis. Lateral cephalograms were obtained in NHP (Natural head position) position of size (20×25cm) FUJIFILM and lateral cephalograms were obtained on radiographic films. Evaluation of lateral cephalograms and the above mentioned parameters were traced and assessed by manual tracing of 150 lateral cephalogram was done using tracing papers with the help of tracing backlight box .Tracing was done with lead pencil point (0.3 mm HB). 150 patient of central Indian population with Angle’s class I malocclusion full permanent dentition between ages 18-45 years were included. Out of these 150 patients 75 males and 75 females patients are included in the study. Upper lip anterior and lip angle shows moderate positive correlation with W angle. The key ridge shows a strong positive correlation with W angle. The upper lip thickness can be used as a treatment plan predictor in Angle’s class I malocclusion as it is strong correlated with W angle. Soft tissue drape especially the upper lip thickness is an essential parameter along with identification of underlying skeletal malocclusion with cephalometric treatment planning measurement like W angle, for treatment planning of even a simple Angle’s class I malocclusion case.