Soft-tissue profile changes concurrent with the orthodontic treatment

Anthropologists have shown that the external covering made up of integument, adipose tissue, connective tissue, and muscle does not always distribute itself in a uniform, orderly manner. There are great variations in the amount and distribution of these soft-tissue elements. Therefore, a facial profile analysis that is limited to measurements on the hard skeletal structure would not appear to conform to the standards of accuracy if an assessment of the soft-tissue profile were required. The purpose of this investigation is to provide an understanding of the changes which occur in the soft-tissue profile during the orthodontic treatment concurrent with normal growth and development. At the present time, it is not possible to devise a set rule for differentiating a desireable from an undesireable soft-tissue facial profile. However, this should not prohibit the presentation of some reference material as an aid in the diagnosis and practice of orthodontics. In many instances evaluations of facial esthetics seem to be singularly influenced by the orthodontist's concept of a pleasing face. At present, the accomplishment of soft-tissue profile changes by dental movement is limited so it is very important to rely on proper timing of the orthodontic treatment through the pubertal growth period to achieve optimal profile changes.