Comparisons of Soft Tissue Thickness Measurements in Adult Patients With Various Vertical Patterns

Abstract

Objective: The purposes of this study were to evaluate to study soft tissue facial profile among the different vertical patterns using the Holdaway analysis and the soft tissue thickness measurements.

Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of 90 patients divided into 3 groups: low angle group (30 patients; mean age, 20.38 +/- 3.76 years), normal angle group (30 patients; mean age, 19.36 +/- 2.83 years) and high angle group (30 patients; mean age, 19.44 +/- 2.14 years). The study sample, comprised a total of 90 patients (54 women and 36 men) divided into low-angle, normal-angle and high angle groups based on vertical growth pattern using the SN/GoGn angle (high-angle group >37 degrees; low-angle group < 27 degrees; and control group or normal angle group 27-37 degrees). Facial soft-tissue thickness and Holdaway measurements were analyzed on each radiograph with Image J programme. One-way analysis of variance and post-hoc test (Tukey) were used to compare Holdaway measurements and soft tissue thicknesses among the three groups.

Results: Significant differences among vertical patterns were observed for the 'gnathion', 'menton', 'stomion' and 'inferior sulcus to H line' when both genders were combined. These measurements were thinner in the high-angle group. Significant differences among vertical patterns were observed for 'gnathion' and 'lower lip to H line' in women; for ` stomion' and ` nose prominence' in men when examined separately.

Conclusion: Facial soft tissue measurements except some for in high angle group were thinner than in low angle group. All soft tissue measurements were greater except for gnathion in low angle group in men than in women.