Soft Tissue Cephalometric Analysis of the Lips in Orthodontic Diagnosis and Treatment Planning: A Narrative Review

Facial aesthetics and orthodontic treatment planning depend not only on hard tissue management but also on the careful handling of surrounding soft tissues. Hence, meticulous evaluation of the lip position, posture, strain, and prominence is of paramount significance. Various soft tissue cephalometric analyses have been described in the literature, and their optimal and selective application can help achieve improved treatment outcomes, particularly in the management of complex orthodontic cases. This narrative review summarizes commonly used soft tissue cephalometric analyses of the lips with special emphasis on their clinical significance, advantages, and limitations.