Soft Tissue Profile Response in Adult Orthodontic Patients following Extractions

Abstract Introduction The position of the incisors is considered as a key landmark in treatment planning to provide the patient with the most attractive and well-balanced smile. It is important to quantify the relationship between anteroposterior position of incisors to overlying soft tissue structures. Aim The purpose of this study was to evaluate cephalometric changes on the soft tissue profile of the adult patients after first premolar extraction. Materials and Methods The study included pretreatment and posttreatment lateral cephalograms of 24 adult patients (Class II div 1 malocclusion and Class I bimaxillary protrusion) treated with preadjusted edgewise appliance following first premolar extractions. Seven angular and twelve linear soft tissue parameters were evaluated. Six hard tissue parameters were evaluated. Results All the linear and angular measurements pertaining to soft tissue and hard tissue showed significant changes. When posttreatment values were compared with pretreatment values, certain parameters (nasolabial angle, Z angle, UL and LL length, and UL strain) were found to be increased, whereas other parameters showed decrease in their posttreatment values. The tissue alteration showed statistically significant increase in nasolabial angle, Z angle, and decrease in soft tissue profile and interlabial gap. Conclusion Facial profile improvement can be enhanced by dentoalveolar and soft tissue retraction following premolar extraction.