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Development of the nose and soft tissue profile
J S Genecov1, P M Sinclair, P C Dechow
1Orthodontic Department, School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599-7450.
The Angle Orthodontist
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Facial soft tissue growth, including nose projection, continues into late adolescence, with females completing development earlier than males. These findings offer insights for orthodontic treatment planning.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Craniofacial Development
- Cephalometric Analysis
Background:
- Facial soft tissue development is crucial for aesthetics and function.
- Understanding the timing and patterns of soft tissue growth aids in treatment planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the amount, direction, and timing of facial soft tissue development.
- To compare soft tissue development between Class I and Class II malocclusions.
- To evaluate gender differences in facial soft tissue growth patterns.
Main Methods:
- Cephalometric radiographs of 64 untreated individuals (32 Class I, 32 Class II) were analyzed.
- Twenty-five facial parameters were assessed at three developmental stages: mixed dentition (7-9 years), early permanent dentition (11-13 years), and early adulthood (16-18 years).
Main Results:
- Anteroposterior nasal growth and anterior projection continued past skeletal maturity in both sexes.
- Females largely completed soft tissue development by age 12, while males showed continued growth until age 17.
- Positional relationships of facial structures (nose, lips, chin) remained relatively constant and independent of skeletal changes.
Conclusions:
- Facial soft tissue development exhibits distinct timing differences between genders.
- Continued nasal growth after skeletal closure has implications for orthodontic outcomes.
- Knowledge of soft tissue growth patterns can inform individualized orthodontic treatment planning.