Correlation between gender and soft tissue characteristics of face among south Indian population of various skeletal malocclusion

Abstract

Every face is unique and this variation also exists between genders. This forms the basis of sexual dimorphism. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between gender and soft tissue of face among the south Indian population. The study sample comprised 30 lateral cephalograms collected between the time period of June 2019 - March 2020, which were divided into 3 groups. FACAD software was used for the analysis of lateral cephalograms to obtain six variables, namely: glabella area (G-G₁), subnasal area (A-Sn), Upper lip thickness (J-Ls), Lower lip thickness (I-Li), Labiomental sulcus thickness (B-Sm), Chin area (Pg-Pg₁). The obtained results were tabulated and statistically analysed using SPSS software version 23. One-way ANOVA and post hoc tests were performed between the skeletal malocclusions. Independent t-test was done to compare the variables between the two genders. The obtained results show a mean increase in all the variables of Class II except Lower lip thickness, which was maximum in Class I skeletal malocclusion. The results of One-way ANOVA, however, was statistically insignificant. Hence, soft tissue characteristics can provide vital information on sexual dimorphism and also aid in the diagnosis of various malocclusions in orthodontics.