RELIABILITY OF VARIOUS SKELETAL INDICATORS IN ASSESSING VERTICAL FACIAL SOFT TISSUE PATTERN.

Background: Angle's paradigm has ruled the orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning for past several decades, but the recent introduction of the soft tissue paradigm has significantly changed the dynamics of orthodontic practice. This study was designed to identify skeletal analyses that best correlates with the parameters use to assess facial soft tissue profile that may lead to an accurate diagnosis and efficient treatment plan.

Methods: A total of 192 subjects (96 males and 96 females; mean age 22.95 ± 4.75 years) were included in the study. The total sample was distributed into three equal groups (i.e., long, normal and short face) on the basis of soft tissue vertical pattern. Pre-treatment lateral cephalograms were used to assess various vertical linear and angular parameters. Various skeletal analyses and soft tissue parameters were correlated using the Pearson's correlation in different vertical groups, separately for males and females.

Results: In males, a weak positive correlation (r = 0.485) was found between skeletal anterior facial height ratio (Sk. LAFH/TAFH) and soft tissue anterior facial height ratio (LAFH/TAFH'), whereas in females maxillary-mandibular plane angle (MMA) showed a weak positive correlation (r = 0.300). In the long face group, a positive but a weak correlation (r = 0.349) was present between cranial base angle (SN-GoGn) and LAFH/TAFH'.

Conclusions: Skeletal analyses (MMA, Sk. LAFH/TAFH) significantly correlated to soft tissue parameters. Males andlong faced individuals showed a higher correlation between skeletal and soft tissue parameters as compared to that of the females.