Cephalometric soft tissue facial analysis of Black patients in Pretoria

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Cephalometric measurements are important in evaluating and predicting facial harmony and aesthetic balance. Very few studies have cephalometrically researched the facial traits of Black South Africans. The range of parameters analysed in published studies is narrow. This in-depth analysis seeks to add to existing knowledge. METHODS: Dental records of 35 adult African patients with pleasing facial profiles, normal dental and skeletal relationships were retrospectively examined. The records contained clinical, demographic, and radiographic information. Means of cephalometric data were measured and compared between male and female patients. The method for analyzing facial soft tissue described by Bergman in 1999 was used. Parameters measured included lower facial height; facial profile angle; nasal projection; vertical height ratio; upper lip length; inter labial gap; labiomental sulcus; lower lip length; lower lip thickness, and upper lip thickness. The unpaired t test was used for statistical comparisons. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 21.9 years, with a range of 16 to 30 years. Females constituted sixty per cent. The measured values (mean and standard deviation) were: lower facial height 75.86mm (6.46); facial profile angle 170.17º (4.41); nasal projection 14mm (1.94); vertical height ratio 0.92 (0.1); upper lip length 25.75mm (2.75); inter labial gap 1.42mm (1.84); labiomental sulcus 6.8mm (1.36); lower lip length 49.72mm (4.99); lower lip thickness 16.68mm (1.87); and upper lip thickness 13.94mm (2.02). Gender differences (p<0.05) were observed in four parameters i.e. lower facial height, lower lip length upper and lower lip thickness. CONCLUSION: The mean values of half the parameters i.e. lower facial height, upper lip length, lower lip length, inter labial gap and labiomental sulcus, recorded in this study were consistent with comparable published values.