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Longitudinal profile changes in an Anatolian Turkish population
Nihal Hamamci1, Seher Gündüz Arslan, Semra Sahin
1Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey. nhamamci@dicle.edu.tr
European Journal of Orthodontics
|September 15, 2009
Summary
Facial profiles in young Anatolian Turks show significant age-related changes, with males exhibiting greater increases in nasal prominence than females, leading to more convex profiles.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Anthropology
- Cephalometrics
Background:
- Facial soft tissue profile development is influenced by genetics and environment.
- Understanding longitudinal changes is crucial for diagnosing and treating dentofacial abnormalities.
- Anatolian Turkish populations represent a unique demographic for facial growth studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate longitudinal changes in the facial soft tissue profile.
- To analyze age and gender-related differences in profile development.
- To investigate changes in nasal and chin prominence in young Anatolian Turks.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal cephalometric analysis of 30 Anatolian Turkish subjects (15 males, 15 females).
- Radiographs taken at three time points: mean ages 8.8, 13.8, and 17.8 years.
- Analysis of 24 standardized facial measurements, with statistical comparisons by age and gender.
Main Results:
- Significant increases in facial soft tissue measurements with age were observed in both genders (P < 0.05).
- Males generally showed greater increases than females.
- Nasal prominence increased more significantly than chin prominence, indicating a trend towards more convex facial profiles.
Conclusions:
- Facial soft tissue profile undergoes significant longitudinal changes during adolescence in Anatolian Turkish individuals.
- Gender differences exist, with males exhibiting more pronounced changes, particularly in nasal projection.
- These findings contribute to normative data for facial growth in this population and have implications for orthodontic treatment planning.
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