Ethnic soft tissue profile differences: A relevant clinical issue in daily orthodontic practice

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the cephalometric variations in the soft tissue profile between Ivorian and Lebanese girls. Material and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional comparative study in young girls from two countries (Côte d'Ivoire and Lebanon), aged 11-16 years, taken in initial consultation in a private orthodontic practice in Abidjan. For each subject selected, lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken under standardized conditions and traced to determine soft tissue patterns. The cephalometric analysis was performed with the conventional marks taken from the soft tissues. Classic and specific planes and lines were used. Data obtained were analyzed with SPSS 20.0 statistics software. The quantitative variables were described by their average and difference. A t test for independent samples was performed to compare the variables according to ethnicity (nationality). Statistical significance was set at p< 0.05. Results: The results showed many significant statistical differences between the Ivorian and the Lebanese girls, except for the upper part of the facial profile. Almost all the variables concerning the convexity of the soft tissue profile, and the nose profile, showed differences between the two groups. The Lebanese girls had a larger total facial convexity than the Ivorian girls. Whose nose' depth angle was smaller, and whose nose' back angle was larger. The nasal bridge was thus more pronounced. The labio-mental angle and the Z angle also smaller. However, the nasal tip angle did not present any difference between the two groups. The lips were more protrusive iin the Ivorian girls. Conclusion: These results reveal significant differences in most of the facial soft tissue profile variables comparing Ivorian with Lebanese girls. Most of these variables are essential for the diagnosis and treatment plan of cases that need orthodontic and/or orthognathic surgery.