European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Introduction:
Evaluation of the soft tissue profile and esthetics is a key factor during orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. This study was undertaken to determine the facial profile characteristics of individuals at different age groups in patients reporting for orthodontic treatment.
Material & Methods:
Archived records of 89000 patients reporting to the dental clinic between June 2019 to march 2020 were screened. Patients with skeletal class I malocclusion without prior history of orthodontic treatment with balanced profile and pleasing profile were identified. 88 patients who meet the inclusion criteria were included in the study. They were divided into two groups. One group with patients less than 19 years of age and the other group with patients greater than 19 years. Their preoperative profile photos were examined and facial analysis done. Ricketts E plane of upper and lower lip, naso labial & facial convexity angle were measured by tracing the profile pictures of patients and marking the reference points and using protractor to measure the angle. Lateral cephalograms were not traced. This data obtained was tabulated. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software version 25. An Independent T Test was done to compare the difference between the two groups.
Result:
The upper lip to E Plane in patients less than 19 years was -0.02mm ± 2.06mm and those more than 19 years as -0.86 mm ± 2.04mm.The lower lip to E plane in patients less than 19 years was 2.25mm ± 1.95mm and those more than 19 years was 0.84 mm ± 2.52mm. Nasolabial angle in patients less than 19 years was 99.97⁰ ± 14.09⁰ and those more than 19 years was 100.59⁰ ± 
14.71⁰. Facial convexity angle in patients less than 19 years was 165.47⁰ ± 4.77⁰ and those more than 19 years was 169.54⁰ ± 6.48⁰.
Conclusion:
There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups with regard to lower lip to E plane and facial convexity with p= 0.004 and p= 0.001 respectively. There appears to be an increase in the angular and linear measurements indicating a progressive flattening of the face with increasing age.