Chin Morphology in Relation to the Skeletal Pattern, Age, Gender, and Ethnicity

Abstract

Chin morphology is visually impactful and significantly influences harmonious facial appearance. Therefore, it is important to know the morphological characteristics of the chin in relation to gender and skeletal pattern when performing an orthodontic and surgical orthognathic treatment. This study aimed to examine the relationship between chin size, skeletal pattern, age, gender, and ethnicity. In this study, cone-beam computed tomography images of 208 participants (males: 90, females: 118; 63 Koreans and 145 Egyptians), aged 18 years and older, were used to evaluate the size of the chin in linear dimension, volume, and skeletal pattern. The larger the vertical skeletal pattern, the larger the chin volume and the smaller the width (p < 0.01). In the anteroposterior skeletal pattern, Class III showed a larger volume than that of Class II and Class I (p < 0.01). There was no significant association between age and any of the chin-related measurements. Regarding gender, all measurements of chins were larger for men than for women (p < 0.01). In terms of ethnicity, Koreans had larger chin volumes than Egyptians p < 0.01). Chin volume was related to population, sex, anteroposterior skeletal pattern, and vertical skeletal pattern, indicating the combined effects of various factors.