Analysis of the soft tissue profile in Croatians with normal occlusions and well-balanced faces

The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that there is no difference between the soft tissue profile of Croatian and white North American adults. Facial profile photographs were taken of 110 Croatians (52 males and 58 females) with normal occlusions and well-balanced faces (age 22-29 years). The findings were also compared with a white Brazilian group. An independent Student's t-test (P < 0.05) was used to compare the soft tissue parameters of Croatians with those of North Americans and to assess gender differences. The soft tissue profile measurements that showed significant gender dimorphism (P < 0.001) were the true vertical line [(TVL)-nasal tip (NT)] and TVL-point B, indicating that the males had slightly greater nasal prominence (mean difference: 1.32 mm) and deeper labial sulci (mean difference: 2.04 mm) compared with the females. The upper lip was the same for both genders (1.25 mm), while the lower lip was 0.97 mm more prominent in females than in males. All soft tissue variables, except TVL-NT showed significant differences between Croatian and white American female subjects (P = 0.096). For male subjects, nasolabial angle was the only variable that showed no statistically significant difference between the two populations. A universal standard of facial aesthetic is not applicable to diverse white populations. These differences should be considered in diagnosis and treatment planning for Croatians, together with their individual characteristics.