Soft tissue profile changes in late adolescent males

The purpose of this study was to document soft tissue profile changes in late adolescent skeletal Class I males from 14 to 20 years of age and to compare these changes with those of the underlying hard tissues. Using serial lateral cephalograms from a sample of 33 untreated Class I adolescent males, 26 soft and hard tissue parameters were assessed at ages 14 to 16, 16 to 18, and 18 to 20 years. The concept that differential facial growth occurs from nasion to pogonion was substantiated by these data. The hard tissue chin moved forward more than A-point, which in turn moved forward more than nasion, resulting in the hard and soft tissue profile being flattened or reduced in convexity. Horizontal soft tissue thickening of 1.0 mm overlying the hard tissue surfaces from midface to chin was observed at 14-16 years. Continued change of the soft tissue profile from 16 to 20 was thus the result of underlying skeletal growth. Nasal tip increased significantly over all age periods, and underwent the largest growth change of all measurements assessed (approximately 8.0 mm). This growth increase declined by approximately one-half over each successive age period. Although variable, continued soft tissue movements throughout the 14- to 20-year age period affect treatment planning, maintenance of the posttreatment profile, and posttreatment occlusal retention requirements.