Lower Lip Length Research Articles

Soft Tissue Esthetic Changes Following a Modified Twin Block Appliance Therapy: A Prospective Study.

ABSTRACTAimAchieving a satisfactory facial esthetics is of utmost importance in the practice of orthodontics. Cl II div 1 patients often suffer from numerous adverse facial characteristics which may impair their social well-being. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the esthetic changes in such patients by using a modified twin block appliance.Materials and methodsSeventy adolescent patients with mandibular deficiency consecutively underwent treatment with a modified twin block appliance for a mean period of 13 months. Soft tissue analyzes of Burstone and Mcnamara were applied to evaluate the changes before and after the treatment. The esthetic changes before and after the therapy were compared using parametric paired t tests analysis. p values less than 0.05 were considered significant.ResultsFacial convexity, lip incompetence, upper lip protrusion, and columellar inclination significantly decreased (p < 0.05) while Merrifield's Z-angle nasolabial angle, lower lip length, and mentolabial angle significantly increased (p < 0.05). Vertical facial height ratio, lower lip protrusion, upper lip length as well as nasal projection and inclination, did not change significantly (p > 0.05)ConclusionOur findings indicated that a modified form of the twin block appliance can be substantially effective in the improvement of several aspects of patients’ facial balance with minimum untoward effects.Clinical significanceAdolescents suffering from mandibular deficiency can gain substantial facial balance with the twin block appliance. The whole face attractiveness, however, is another subject and should not be conflicted with the facial balance.How to cite this articleShahamfar M, Atashi MHA, Azima N. Soft Tissue Esthetic Changes Following a Modified Twin Block Appliance Therapy: A Prospective Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(3):255–260.

Soft Tissue Cephalometric Norms for Bihar Ethnic Population

INTRODUCTION: A person's ability to recognize a beautiful face is innate, but translating this into defined treatment goals is problematic and various authors tried to relate the importance of soft-tissue esthetics with orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning.&#x0D; AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To derive the Soft Tissue Cephalometric norms for the normal, well-balanced and esthetically pleasing faces of the Bihar ethnic population and to compare them with pre-established norms.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHOD: A sample of 60 subjects from an ethnic Bihar population residing in Patna, on the basis of facial symmetry, balance and pleasing appearance were observed from five sets of extra-oral photographs. Standardized lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken with metallic markers placed on various soft-tissue structures on the face using derma tapes. All lateral cephalometric films were traced and Soft Tissue Cephalometric Analysis was done.&#x0D; RESULTS: Total facial length was significantly less in males as compared to the Caucasians with 117.50±1.74 as mean value. Males had significantly less protrusive upper and lower lips in projection to TVL with a mean value of 0.77±0.77 and -3.13±0.73 respectively. Lower lip length in females was significantly decreased with a decreased lower third facial height with a mean value of 62.27±1.46. Total facial length was significantly less in females with a mean value of 115.40±1.99. Females had significantly more protrusive upper and lower lips in projection to TVL with a mean value of 1.90±0.84 and 1.93±0.74 respectively.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: The established norms in present study could be used as future reference for Orthodontic treatment in Bihar ethnic population.

Evaluation of Smile Parameters in Nongrowing Subjects Using Photographs

Abstract Introduction An attractive or pleasing smile enhances the acceptance of an individual in the society by improving interpersonal relationships. In this new era of social media, people are more concerned about their smile; hence, smile esthetics has become the primary objective of orthodontic treatment. It is seen that various smile parameters change with age and gender. Aim The aim of the study was to evaluate various smile parameters in nongrowing patients using photographic analysis. Materials and Methods The sample comprised photographs of 50 subjects (8 males, 42 females) taken in natural head position and then divided into two age groups: Group I (25 subjects, aged 18–20 years) and Group II (25 subjects, aged 23–29 years). The various parameters were analyzed using Adobe Photoshop software (version CS 6; Adobe System Inc., California, United States): upper lip and lower lip lengths during rest and smiling, smile index, buccal corridor, upper and lower lip thickness, interlabial gap, incisal display, widest visible maxillary display, and intercommissural width. Results The results showed that lower lip length at rest and smiling, interlabial gap, incisal display, inner commissure width, and widest visible maxillary display were increased, whereas upper lip length both at rest and smiling, upper and lower lip thickness, outer commissure width, smile index, and buccal corridor were decreased with age. Statistically significant sex-related differences were found in upper lip length at rest and lower lip length both at rest and smiling. Conclusion Orthodontic treatment must incorporate various esthetic elements of smile to achieve desirable results.

Age-related changes in lip morphological and physiological characteristics in Korean women.

Age-related changes in lip morphological and physiological characteristics are key indices for estimating age based on facial features, as reported in many studies. Yet, a majority of studies have focused on Caucasian individuals, with few studies characterizing these changes in Asian female populations. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate lip morphological and physiological characteristics in a cohort of Korean women. A total of 114 volunteers participated in the study. Linear distances (length of philtrum, length of lip, width of lip, and lengths of lower and upper oral commissures), angle of the upper lip, 3D lip heights, and wrinkles were calculated and averaged for each age-group. We also measured lip color, hydration, trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), and blood flow. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 20.0 (significance level P<0.05). Length of the philtrum and lip width significantly increased with age while upper and lower lip lengths and length of the lower oral commissure significantly decreased with age. The angle of the upper lip tended to decrease with age, but this finding was no significance. Three-dimensional height of the upper lip, wrinkles, and TEWL also decreased with age while hydration increased with age. Finally, redness of the upper and lower lips as well as blood flow significantly decreased with age. Lips tended to shorten in length and widen with age, resulting in a thinner and longer appearance. With regard to physiological parameters, there were important age-related changes in hydration and lip color.

Clinical and Cephalometric Analysis of Facial Soft Tissue.

This study aimed to provide average of standard values in planning orthognathic surgery in Asians. Thirty-three Asians with well-balanced facial profile, combined with class I occlusion and stabilized condylar head were evaluated using lateral cephalograms. Facial length (Nasion'-Menton') was 138.8 and 127.0 mm in male and female, respectively. Upper and lower lip length were 24.5 and 49.8 mm for male, and 22.2 and 45.1 mm for female, and maxillary incisor exposure was 2.0 and 4.0 mm in male and female, respectively. Nasolabial angle was 77.7° and 84.1° in male and female, respectively. Alar base, A point', and maxillary incisor were placed posteriorly to true vertical line by 10.6, 1.0, and 8.0 mm for male and 9.0, 0.8, and 6.9 mm for female. The horizontal distance between upper lip anterior and lower lip anterior was 2.1 mm for male and 2.6 mm for female, and the horizontal distance between A point' and B point' was 5.3 mm for male and 3.9 mm for female. Orbital rim' to A-point' was 12.4 and 11.3 mm in male and female, respectively. Pogonion' located posteriorly to glabella' by 2.7 mm for male and anteriorly to glabella' by 3.2 mm for female, and facial angle was 156.7° and 147.0° in male and female, respectively. This quantitative analysis of facial profile in Asian will be helpful in evaluation of facial soft tissue and establishment of treatment plans for orthognathic surgery.

Comparison of craniodentofacial morphology of children with and without unilateral cleft lip and palate

Background: This retrospective case-control study was done to investigate the cranio-dento-facial morphology of Turkish children with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate from Ege University and compare them with a normal group to highlight the effect of surgical correction on craniofacial development. Methods: 60 patients with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate were compared with 55 control children without cleft at mean ages of 13 and 15 years. The cleft lip was operated with modified Millard technique at 3 months, cleft palate was operated with von Langenbeck technique at 12 months. The patients were not given any orthopaedic or orthodontic treatment also. Angular and linear measurements of cranio-dento-facial complex were measured by using Dolphin Imaging 11.5 software programme, and the resulting data were evaluated statistically. Results: The children with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate had considerable morphological deviations when compared with the matched children without clefts. The most striking findings in the unilateral complete cleft lip and palate group: Maxillary and mandibular complex and nasal projections were retruded when compared with normal (P<0.001). Also, nasal airway dimensions were higher in control group (P<0.001). Soft tissue structure, especially upper lip thickness, upper and lower lip lengths were decreased (P<0.001, P<0.001, P<0.05, respectively) in cleft group. Maxillar anterior height was decreased (P<0.001). Besides, nasolabial angle and upper incisor inclination according to the maxillary occlusal plane (P<0.001) were increased while overjet (Mx1-Md1) were decreased (P<0.001). Conclusion: The surgical technique and the number of operations seem to be the most effective factors for maxillary retrusion in patients with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate.

Changes in Soft Tissue Measurements After Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis.

Mandibular distraction osteogenesis is the process of generating new bone in a gap between 2 bone segments in response to the application of graduated tensile stress across the bone gap. These distraction forces applied to bone also create tension in the surrounding soft tissues resulting in simultaneous expansion of the functional soft tissue matrix. To investigate and evaluate the changes in facial soft tissue following mandibular distraction osteogenesis and their relationship with the changes in bone movements. Mandibular elongation of 13 patients was done by the use of bilateral distraction osteogenesis in 10 patients and unilateral distraction osteogenesis in 3 patients, soft tissue evaluation was done by measuring 4 facial lines (tragus-commissure of mouth, lateral canthus-commissure of mouth, medial canthus-commissure of mouth, and lower lip length). The measurements were done by the use of measurement tape preoperatively and after the consolidation period. Soft tissue changes were observed in all patients. There was highly significant increase in tragus-commissure line in all patients, significant increase in lateral canthus-commissure line in 10 patients, and significant increase in medial canthus-commissure line and lower lip length in 9 patients. The lines' relation with the overjet was highly significant in right side of tragus-commissure line, lateral canthus-commissure line, medial canthus-commissure line, and lower lip length, and significant in left side of tragus-commissure line, lateral canthus-commissure line, and medial canthus-commissure line CONCLUSION:: Distraction osteogenesis has recognizable effect on facial soft tissue profile in addition to its effect on skeletal structure.

Comparison of facial morphometric analysis using CBCT volumetric rendering and digital photography

ObjectiveAssess accuracy of facial morphometric analysis using 3-D CBCT volume rendered images for facial hard/soft tissue treatment planning using multi-clinician analyses across various training backgrounds. MethodsThe 3-D CBCT and 2-D photographic image records of 25 subjects were evaluated in this study. Standard facial landmarks were identified independently by dental specialists on frontal and lateral images of the face. Facial proportions were calculated on both images and compared. Results3-D CBCT derived images were more accurate than 2-D photometric analysis when measuring upper and lower lip lengths in frontal view. 3-D CBCT derived images produced proportions comparable to 2-D photometric analysis in lateral view. ConclusionsClinicians of different training backgrounds show higher consistency and accuracy in measurement of the lower facial third from the frontal aspect with 3-D CBCT derived images than with 2-D photographs. No statistical differences were observed from the lateral aspect. 3-D CBCT images eliminated errors caused by obfuscating features in the lower facial third.

Hard and soft tissue correlations in facial profiles: a canonical correlation study.

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between facial hard and soft tissues in normal Saudi individuals by studying the canonical correlation between specific hard tissue landmarks and their corresponding soft tissue landmarks.MethodsA retrospective, cross-sectional study was designed, with a sample size of 60 Saudi adults (30 males and 30 females) who had a class I skeletal and dental relationship and normal occlusion. Lateral cephalometric radiographs of the study sample were investigated using a series of 29 linear and angular measurements of hard and soft tissue features. The measurements were calculated electronically using Dolphin® software, and the data were analyzed using canonical correlation.ResultsEighty-four percent of the variation in the soft tissue was explained by the variation in hard tissue.ConclusionThe position of the upper and lower incisors and inclination of the lower incisors influence upper lip length and lower lip position. The inclination of the upper incisors is associated with lower lip length.

The Success of Free Gracilis Muscle Transfer to Restore Smile in Patients With Nonflaccid Facial Paralysis

Development of synkinesis, hypertonicity, and poor smile excursion after facial nerve insult and recovery contribute to disfigurement, psychological difficulties, and an inability to convey emotion via facial expression. Despite treatment with physical therapy and chemodenervation, some patients who recover from transient flaccid facial paralysis never spontaneously regain the ability to perform a meaningful smile. Prospective evaluation was performed on 20 patients with nonflaccid facial paralysis who underwent free gracilis muscle transfer. Patients were evaluated using the quality-of-life (QOL) FaCE survey, Facial Nerve Grading Scale, and Facegram to quantify QOL improvement, smile excursion, and symmetry after muscle transfer. A statistically significant increase in the FaCE score was seen after muscle transfer (paired 2-tailed t test, P < 0.039). In addition, there was a statistically significant improvement in the smile score on the Facial Nerve Grading Scale (P < 0.002), in the lower lip length at rest (P = 0.01) and with smile (P = 0.0001), and with smile symmetry (P = 0.0077) after surgery. Free gracilis muscle transfer has become a mainstay in the management armamentarium for patients who develop severe reduction in oral commissure movement after facial nerve insult and recovery. The operation achieves a high overall success rate, and innovations involving transplanting thinner segments of muscle avoid a cosmetic deformity secondary to excess bulk. This study demonstrates a quantitative improvement in QOL and facial function after free gracilis muscle transfer in patients who failed to achieve a meaningful smile after physical therapy.

Comparative evaluation of cephalometric measurements of monitor-displayed images by Nemoceph software and its hard copy by manual tracing

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the cephalometric measurements obtained from computerized tracing of direct digital radiographs and hand tracing of their digital radiographic printouts. Material and methodsThe soft- and hard-copies of pre-treatment lateral cephalograms of 40 subjects (both males and females) within the age group of 10–30 years, irrespective of the type of malocclusion were taken. Total 26 measurements (13 linear and 13 angular) were obtained using both the manual and the digital technique. ResultsAmongst the linear measurements, Anterior facial height (AFH), Posterior facial height (PFH), Upper lip length (ULL), Lower lip length (LLL), Anterior cranial base length (ACBL), Posterior cranial base length (PCBL), Maxillary length (MxL), Mandibular length (MdL), Lower incisor to NB line (L1 to NB) and Lower lip protrusion (LLP) showed statistically significant difference between the two techniques but were clinically acceptable (difference between the digital and manual technique were less than 2 units (1 unit = 1 mm for linear measurements and 1° for angular measurements). While amongst the angular measurements, only occlusal plane angle showed statistically significant difference between the two techniques that was not clinically acceptable. ConclusionDigital measurements obtained from monitor-displayed images (soft copy) were found to be reproducible and comparable to the manual method done on its hard copy, for all the measurements except occlusal plane angle (SN-occlusal plane).

Occlusal plane location in edentulous patients: a review.

Occlusal plane orientation is an important factor in the construction of a complete denture. Occlusal plane could be oriented using landmarks in the mandibular arch as well as in the maxillary arch. In the mandibular arch there are few landmarks which could be used to orient the occlusal plane like the retromolar pad, corner of the lips (lower lip length) whereas the maxillary arch has a number of landmarks, of which the ala-tragal line is the most commonly used and the same being the most controversial. In the following article different landmarks and its accuracy for orientating the occlusal plane in an edentulous subject as studied by various authors has been discussed.

A morphological and chemotaxonomic study of Teucrium arduini L. in Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina

A study on the type and distribution of trichomes, morphological traits of the calyx and content of antioxidant compounds was conducted on Teucrium arduini L. populations in Croatia and in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Non-glandular trichomes, peltate trichomes and small capitate trichomes with four secretory head cells were observed on leaves, stems and calyx, whereas long capitate trichomes with a unicellular head cell were observed exclusively on the calyx. Average calyx length was 5.23–6.51 mm, calyx tube length 2.92–3.68 mm, lower lip length 1.25–2.42 mm and upper lip length 1.89–2.99 mm. The concentration of antioxidant compounds in all populations was the highest in leaves: total polyphenols (TP): 8.43–13.55%; tannins (T): 1.79–7.33%; flavonoids (TF): 0.28–0.40%; phenolic acids (TPA): 2.90–5.07%. Inflorescences generally contained the smallest amount of TP (5.89–11.42%), T (0.87–6.50%) and TPA (1.66–2.27%), while the smallest content of TF was obtained for the majority of stem samples (0.06–0.12%). The researched populations did not differ with regard to the type and overall distribution of the trichomes, though the Bosnian populations have a shorter calyx tube and longer upper lip. Some variability was observed in the TP and T content between sampling sites, while quite high variability was noted in the TF and TPA content.

Soft tissue response in orthognathic surgery patients treated by bimaxillary osteotomy: cephalometry compared with 2-D photogrammetry

PurposeSince improvement of facial aesthetics after orthognathic surgery moves increasingly into the focus of patients, prediction of soft tissue response to hard tissue movement becomes essential for planning. The aim of this study was to assess the facial soft tissue response in skeletal class II and III patients undergoing orthognathic surgery and to compare the potentials of cephalometry and two-dimensional (2-D) photogrammetry for predicting soft tissue changes.Material and methodsTwenty-eight patients with class II relationship and 33 with class III underwent bimaxillary surgery. All subjects had available both a traced lateral cephalogram and a traced lateral photogram taken pre- and postsurgery in natural head position (median follow-up, 9.4 ± 0.6 months).ResultsFacial convexity and lower lip length were highly correlated with hard tissue movements cephalometrically in class III patients and 2-D photogrammetrically in both classes. In comparison, cephalometric correlations for class II patients were weak. Correlations of hard and soft tissue movements between pre- and postoperative corresponding landmarks in horizontal and vertical planes were significant for cephalometry and 2-D photogrammetry. No significant difference was found between cephalometry and 2-D photogrammetry with respect to soft to hard tissue movement ratios.ConclusionsThis study revealed that cephalometry is still a feasible standard for evaluating and predicting outcomes in routine orthognathic surgery cases. Accuracy could be enhanced with 2-D photogrammetry, especially in class II patients.

Appraisal of the cephalometric norms for the upper and lower lips of the South Indian ethnic population

Aim:The guidelines for planning an improvement in the facial appearance till recently existed in the form of evaluation of linear and angular parameters and ratios related to the hard tissues in the various cephalometric analyses. The present study aimed at establishing Arnett et al.'s norms of the upper and lower lip for the local population and assessing the extent by which these differ from the original norms proposed by Arnett et al.Materials and Methods:Forty pretreatment lateral cephalograms (20 males and 20 females) with normal occlusion and well-balanced face were chosen for this study. Upper and lower lip lengths, thicknesses, and chin thickness were all measured according to soft tissue cephalometric analysis by Arnett et al.Results:The obtained data were statistically analyzed and compared with other studies.Conclusion:Males had thicker and longer upper and lower lips when compared to females, but they were comparatively thinner than the results of Arnett et al. Females had more interlabial gap than males. The difference in soft tissue parameters in different ethnic groups shows the importance of defining what is optimal for a particular group.

Lip Dimensions of an Adult Nigerian Population with Normal Occlusion

The soft tissue paradigm is placing greater emphasis on the importance of the soft tissue profile to orthodontic treatment planning. The purpose of this study was to determine the lip dimensions of a Nigerian adult population; compare the male and female values and to compare the values obtained for Nigerians with those reported for other population. Lateral cephalometric radiographs of 100 students (44 males and 56 females) of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, aged 18 to 25 years were taken. Selected subjects were of Nigerian ancestry with normal occlusion and a harmonious facial appearance. The radiographs were manually traced and the upper and lower lip length and thickness of each subject was measured. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS, while the male and female values were compared using student's t-tests. Mean values for the lip dimensions were computed for the entire sample. Marked sexual dimorphism was observed with the males having thicker and longer upper and lower lips than the females. The Nigerian sample also had a longer upper lip and a thicker and shorter lower lip than that reported for Caucasians. However, both population had a similar upper lip thickness. Cephalometric norms were developed for the lip dimensions of a Nigerian population. Marked sexual dimorphism was observed in the Nigerian population studied with the males having longer and thicker lips than the females. The lip dimensions of the Nigerian population studied differed from that reported for Caucasians and other racial groups.

Description of a new species of Tilapia Smith, 1840 (Teleostei: Cichlidae) from Ghana

A new species of the genus Tilapia Smith, 1840 is described from the Pra River drainage in Ghana. Tilapia pra sp. nov. is distinguished from all Tilapia species except T. sparrmanii, T. ruweti, T. guinasana, T. baloni, T. brevimanus, T. mariae, T. cabrae and T. busumana in having bicuspid posterior pharyngeal teeth on the lower pharyngeal jaw. It differs from T. baloni and T. ruweti in having more gill rakers on the first ceratobranchial (lower) gill-arch (10–12 vs. 6–9), from T. guinasana in having a higher number of upper lateral line scales (18–22 vs. 14–17) and from T. sparrmanii in a combination of a higher number of upper lateral line scales (18–22 vs. 14–19), a shorter anal fin base (15.0–18.6% vs. 18.0–23.8% of SL) and a lower number of vertical stripes (6–7 vs. 8–9). It differs from T. mariae, T. cabrae and T. brevimanus in having robust, non-spatulate outer row jaw teeth (vs. gracile spatulate teeth) and from T. busumana in having a longer last dorsal-fin spine (16.2–21.3% vs. 11.6–14.9% of SL), and a smaller lower lip length (8.0–10.7% vs. 9.6–13.9% of SL) and lower jaw length (9.9–13.6% vs. 10.5–15.2% of SL). In addition, T. pra sp. nov. differs from T. busumana in ground coloration. T. pra sp. nov. possesses a light brown to greyish dorsum and a beige to yellow ventral area vs. a bluish-purple to blackish dorsum and darker on underside of head and body of T. busumana.

Three-dimensional evaluation of soft tissue changes after mandibular setback surgery in class III malocclusion patients according to extent of mandibular setback, vertical skeletal pattern, and genioplasty

To investigate the 3-dimensional (3D) changes in the soft tissue after mandibular setback surgery (MSS). Thirty-three skeletal class III malocclusion (SCIII) patients treated with MSS (bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy) were subdivided according to extent of MSS, vertical skeletal pattern (VP), and vertical-reduction genioplasty. Lateral cephalograms and 3D facial scan images were taken before and 6 months after surgery. Linear and angular variables were measured with Rapidform 2006 (Inus Technology). After MSS, there were significant increases in the upper lip length and decreases in the lower lip length in the large setback, hypodivergent, and genioplasty groups. The mentolabial fold deepened less in the genioplasty group than in other groups. Although there was no skeletal advancement of the maxilla, the soft tissue convexity in the paranasal area increased more in the hyperdivergent group than in the hypodivergent group after MSS. The extent of MSS, VP, and genioplasty could be used as guidelines for 1- and 2-jaw surgeries in SCIII borderline cases.

Changes in soft tissue profile after mandibular setback surgery in Class III subjects

The aim of this study was to investigate changes in hard and soft tissue profile after mandibular setback surgery. Lateral cephalograms of 25 Class III subjects were assessed before and 1.5 ± 0.4 years after mandibular setback surgery. Paired t test, Pearson correlation test and linear regression analysis were used to evaluate the changes in soft tissue profile. Significant changes were found in skeletal (SNB −3.6 ± 0.9°, ANB 3.7 ± 1.0°, overjet 5.0 ± 1.2 and overbite 2.5 ± 1.1 mm, P < 0.001), soft tissue (facial convexity 5.9 ± 1.6°, P < 0.001; labiomental fold 0.6 ± 0.6 mm, P < 0.001; upper and lower lip protrusion 0.5 ± 0.8 mm, P < 0.01; −3.3 ± 1.2 mm, P < 0.001), and upper and lower lip lengths (0.9 ± 1.2 mm, P < 0.01; −1.8 ± 2.1 mm, P < 0.001). Correlations were found between facial convexity and SNB and ANB angles and between upper lip length and SNB and ANB angles. The change in lower lip length was correlated with SNB, ANB, overjet and overbite. Lower lip retrusion was correlated with overjet and a significant correlation was found between the retrusion of lower incisor and lower lip. Mandibular setback surgery was effective in producing an orthognathic profile in adult Class III subjects with mandibular prognathism.

Facial and dental characteristics of Padaung women (long-neck Karen) wearing brass neck coils in Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand

Women of the Padaung tribe in Thailand are known to wear brass neck coils (BNC) all their lives. The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of these coils on facial morphology and dental characteristics. This study sample included 61 subjects wearing BNC (group I) and 32 subjects not wearing BNC (group II). Each group was subdivided into younger (5-15 years old) and older (more than 15 years old) groups. Facial morphologic variables were assessed by using photographic analysis and direct facial measurements. Dental variables were assessed by model analysis. Total and lower face heights in group I were significantly shorter than in group II (P = .04, P <.001, respectively). Upper and lower lip lengths in group I were significantly shorter than in group II (P = .01, P <.001, respectively). Overjet in group I was significantly larger than in group II (P = .01). Mandibular intercanine width in group I was significantly narrower than in group II (P = .04). Maxillary and mandibular incisor inclinations in the older subset of group I were more proclined than in the older subgroup of group II (P = .04, P = .03, respectively). Palatal height in the older subgroup of group I was less than in the older subgroup of group II (P <.001). Maximum mouth opening in group I was significantly less than in group II (P = .02). The findings indicated considerable effects on facial morphology and dental characteristics in Padaung women wearing BNC. Deformations could be avoided if they gave up this custom.