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The aim of the study was to establish a mathematical classification of normal soft tissue profile by cluster analysis based on linear and angular photogrammetric measurements.The sample consisted of 110 subjects, 52 males (mean age, 28.7 y) and 58 females (mean age, 25.7 y), with good and balanced soft tissue profile and dental class 1 occlusal relationship and were white. The measurements were made with standardized photographic records taken in natural head position.The 39 soft tissue variables (27 linear and 12 angular) were classified according to similarity by cluster analysis. Males and females were separated in an effort to identify representative values for each group. The squared Euclidean distance was used for distance measurement, and the Ward method was used for cluster analysis. Measurement variables for cluster analysis were standardized using z score. Four recognizable types of soft tissue profiles were obtained in both sexes, which differ mostly with regard to the position of the lips and prominence of the chin. This study found a highly significant sex dimorphism in the soft tissue profile, presenting that the form difference is both a size and a shape difference between male and female soft tissue profiles. The lower third of the face expressed most of the sex differences.

This study was carried out on 40 lateral cephalograms of Croatian subjects aged 12 to 15 years with dental and skeletal class I. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the means and standard deviations of the soft tissue parameters in the sample of Croatian population exhibiting dental and skeletal class I and to find the correlations between investigated parameters. The investigation included a total of 11 variables of which 4 were angular and 7 linear. Linear and angular measurements were made to the nearest 0.5 mm or 0.5 degree with dial calipers and a standard protractor with 0.5 degree increments. Data from this investigation could serve to determine the norms of 11 soft tissue variables for Croatian population with dental and skeletal class I, and to define craniofacial morphology of the soft tissue profile in patients with normal occlusion. Significant correlations were found between thickness of upper and lower lip, and between the distance of upper and lower lip to the Ricketts esthetic line, and Holdaway angle.

An aesthetically pleasing and balanced face is one of the objectives of orthodontic treatment. An understanding of the soft tissues and their normal ranges enables a treatment plan to be formulated to normalize the facial traits for a given individual. The aim of this study was to evaluate the variables defining the soft tissue facial profile of a Croatian (Caucasian) sample, by means of angular measurements typically used for aesthetic treatment goals. Additionally, gender differences were tested. The soft tissue facial profiles of 110 dental students (52 males and 58 females) between 23 and 28 years of age at the University of Zagreb, Croatia, with a dental Class I occlusal relationship and harmonious soft tissue profile were studied by means of standardized photographs taken in the natural head position (NHP). To compare males and females, a Student's t-test was used. The reliability of the method was analysed using Dahlberg's formula. There were distinct gender differences. All angles were larger in females: nasofrontal (G-N-Nd, females = 139.11 degrees; males 136.38 degrees; P = 0.030), nasolabial (Cm-Sn-Ls, females = 109.39 degrees; males = 105.42 degrees; P = 0.018), mentolabial (Li-Sm-Pg, females = 134.5 degrees; males = 129.26 degrees; P = 0.019), and nasal tip angle (N-Prn-Cm, female = 84.12 degrees; male = 79.85; P = 0.001). The greatest variability was found for mentolabial angle. The findings demonstrate a distinct profile trait for female Croatian patients compared with male subjects.

One hundred and ten subjects (52 males and 58 females) between 23-28 years of age with dental Class I occlusal relationship, good soft tissue profile, and Caucasian ethnicity were selected from the population of dental students at the University of Zagreb, Croatia. The soft tissue facial profiles were digitally analyzed using linear (11 vertical and 14 horizontal) measurements made with standardized photographic records, taken in natural head position, to determine average soft tissue facial profile for males and females. The application of Student t-test showed gender dimorphism in most parameters of the labial, nasal. and chin areas. Almost all vertical variables were larger in the males, except the length of the nasal tip, which was larger in females. In the height of the vermilion, no gender dimorphism was observed. The females exhibited shallower labial sulci than the males and their chins were at least as prominent as those of the males. This study showed that male chins are not absolutely more prominent than female chins, but only appear to be such because their labial sulci are deeper.

Objectives: The observational study investigated whether women's perception of the facial profile is related to changes in sex hormones during the menstrual cycle and under the influence of personality traits.Setting and Sample Population: Participants were heterosexual Caucasian normally menstruating women not using oral contraceptives (N = 30, aged 20-44 years).Material and Methods: The profile attractiveness was assessed by grading of thirteen men's and women's Caucasian profile distortions by a visual analogue scale (0 = least to 100 = most attractive) in the non-ovulating phase and ovulating phase of the menstrual cycle. Male profiles were graded twice-in social and emotional contexts. Personality traits were assessed by Big Five Inventory.Results: The most attractive male profiles in both phases and contexts were a straight profile or mild lip retrusion. According to cluster analysis, non-ovulating females distinguish skeletal from dentoalveolar alterations; however, maxillary retrognathism was considered to be closer to an attractive profile, which were resulting from dentoalveolar manipulations only. Ovulating females, when considering emotional relationship, exhibit lowest preference for males with convex profiles and extreme concave profile, while they consider males with slightly prominent chins due to maxillary retrognathism, mandibular prognathism or pronounced lip retrusion closer to the most attractive males. No clear patterns of influence of personality traits were detected. Moderate lip protrusion was the most attractive female profile in ovulating and straight profile in non-ovulating phase.Conclusion: The favorable profiles, on average, are the same regardless of the female hormonal status and personality traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]