Few studies utilized cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to evaluate soft tissue dimensions in malocclusion patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the three-dimensional (3D) soft tissue relationships of adult patients according to their gender and skeletal sagittal class using CBCT.
Materials and methods
The study sample consisted of 96 CBCT images of patients of both genders; aged 18 to 25 years with a normal vertical skeletal pattern. Patients were segregated into three groups according to their skeletal sagittal class: Class I (2 < ANB < 4), class II (ANB > 4), and class III (ANB < 2). The soft tissue measurements were analyzed in both the sagittal views and frontal volumetric rendered views using 3D-OnDemand software.
Results
In males, the measurements (U1-stom, nasal width, mouth width) were greater in class I than in class II group. Lower lip thickness was greater in class I than in class III group (p < 0.05). In females, both labiomental fold thickness and upper lip height measurements showed greater mean values in class II than in class I group. In contrast, lower lip height was greater in class I than in class III group. Ls-Pr, U1-stom, and face width at Cheilion revealed greater values in class III patients than in class II patients. On the other hand, the lower lip thickness, upper lip height, and lower lip height measurements showed greater values in class II than in class III group (p < 0.05). Soft tissue thicknesses and measurements were greater in males than in females. However, statistically significant differences between the two sexes were not detected for all of the variables measured in each skeletal class.
Conclusion
The current study indicates the presence of differences in soft tissue thicknesses and facial soft tissue dimensions among skeletal classes and between the two sexes.
Clinical significance
Cone beam computed tomography imaging is a very valuable tool to analyze 3D soft tissue characteristics of patients with different skeletal patterns of malocclusion.
How to cite this article
Jazmati HM, Ajaj MA, Hajeer MY. Assessment of Facial Soft Tissue Dimensions in Adult Patients with Different Sagittal Skeletal Classes using Cone beam Computed Tomography. J Contemp Dent Pract 2016;17(7):542-548.
Facial soft tissue thickness among skeletal malocclusions: is there a difference? Korean J Orthod 2012 Feb;42(1):23-31.
Soft-tissue thickness of South Korean adults with normal facial profiles. Korean J Orthod 2013 Aug;43(4):178-185.
Soft tissue thickness changes after correcting Class III malocclusion with bimaxillar surgery. Stomatologija 2011;13(3):87-91.
A longitudinal study of soft tissue facial structures and their profile characteristics, defined in relation to underlying skeletal structures. Am J Orthod 1959 Jul;45(7):481-507.
Lip posture and its significance in treatment planning. Am J Orthod 1967 Apr;53(4):262-284.
Soft tissue profile changes after maxillary advancement with distraction osteogenesis by use of a rigid external distraction device: a 1-year follow-up. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2000 Sep;58(9):959-969.
Upper lip changes correlated to maxillary incisor retraction – a metallic implant study. Angle Orthod 2005 Jul;75(4):499-505.
3D soft-tissue, 2D hard-tissue and psychosocial chantes following orthognathic surgery [PhD thesis]. UK: University of Glasgow; 2003.
Adjunctive esthetic surgery. In: Proffit WR, White RP, Sarver DM, editors. Contemporary treatment of dentofacial deformity. St Louis (MO): Mosby;. 2003. p. 394-415.
Applications of 3D imaging in orthodontics: part I. J Orthod 2004 Mar;31(1):62-70.
Radiation absorbed in maxillofacial imaging with a new dental computed tomography device. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2003 Oct;96(4):508-513.
An evaluation of facial form in hypodontia using 3D imaging. International conference on ectodermal dysplasias: (ED06), Copenhagen, Denmark; 2007.
Orthodontic diagnosis. New York (NY): Thieme Medical Publishers; 1993. p. 188-189.
Three-dimensional imaging in orthognathic surgery: the clinical application of a new method. Int J Adult Orthodon Orthognath Surg 2002;17(4):318-330.
An evaluation of facial form in hypodontia using 3D imaging [PhD thesis]. UK: Newcastle University; 2008.
Examination. In: Farkas LG, editor. Anthropometry of the head and face. New York (NY): Raven Press; 1994. p. 3-56.
Determination of Holdaway soft tissue norms in Anatolian Turkish adults. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2003 Apr;123(4):395-400.
Soft tissue morphology of Jordanian adolescents. Angle Orthod 2010 Jan;80(1):80-85.
Soft tissue thickness in young north eastern Brazilian individuals with different skeletal classes. J Forensic Leg Med 2014 Feb;22:115-120.
Assessment of the soft tissue thickness at the lower anterior face in adult patients with different skeletal vertical patterns using cone beam computed tomography. Angle Orthod 2015 Mar;85(2):211-217.
Facial soft tissue thickness in individuals with different occlusion patterns in adult Turkish subjects. Homo 2011 Aug;62(4):288-297.
Cephalometric and computed tomographic predictors of obstructive sleep apnea severity. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 1995 Jun;107(6):589-595.
Comparison of pharyngeal airway volume among different vertical skeletal patterns: a cone-beam computed tomography study. Angle Orthod 2014 Sep;84(5):782-787.
Reproducibility of facial soft tissue thickness measurements using cone-beam CT images according to the measurement methods. J Forensic Sci 2015 Jul;60(4):957-965.
Facial soft tissue thickness database for craniofacial reconstruction in Korean adults. J Forensic Sci 2012 Nov;57(6):1442-1447.
Pilot study of facial soft tissue thickness differences among three skeletal classes in Japanese females. Forensic Sci Int 2010 Feb 25;195(1-3):165.e1-165.e5.
Facial soft tissue thickness differences among three skeletal classes in Japanese population. Forensic Sci Int 2014 Mar;236:175-180.
