Abstract:

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate frontal facial features of individuals and analyze their relevance to orthodontic problems. Methods: Frontal photographs were taken and cephalometric data of 250 patient were collected. Photographs were used to evaluate facial dimensions, general symmetry, forehead, trichion anatomical landmark position, nostril visibility, nasal root breaking point, glabella position, cantus positions, eyeball symmetry, sclera visibility, nose symmetry and shape, nose widths, mouth width, lip vermillion areas and chin. Correlation between photographic data and malocclusion groups was statistically evaluated. Results: Forehead shape, nostril visibility, mouth width and chin symmetry differences were statistically significant due to type of skeletal malocclusion. Conversely, there are significant correlations between forehead shape, nose symmetry, upper lip vermillion, and chin symmetry and dental malocclusions. Chin asymmetry is mostly seen with skeletal Class III malocclusion, while nasal asymmetry with dental Class III malocclusion. Asymmetry is mostly seen in lower third of the face. In dental Class III malocclusion patients, forehead was mostly "wide". In front view, skeletal Class I and II individuals have increased nostril visibility and Class III decreased nostril visibility. Conclusions: The photographic analyzes add perspective to orthodontics. Skeletal class III patients are prone to asymmetries especially in lower third of the face.

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