# Comparison of facial soft tissue thickness, pharyngeal airway widths in different skeletal Patterns

## TL;DR

This study compares facial soft tissue thickness and pharyngeal airway widths across different skeletal patterns to inform orthodontic treatment planning.

## Contribution

The study identifies significant correlations between skeletal patterns and facial/airway measurements, emphasizing their importance in orthodontics.

## Key findings

- Facial soft tissue thickness and pharyngeal airway widths vary significantly across skeletal Patterns I, II, and III.
- Pattern III showed higher soft tissue thickness and airway widths, while Pattern II showed lower values.
- Sexual dimorphism was observed, with men having greater soft tissue thickness than women.

## Abstract

The sample was divided into skeletal Patterns I, II and III, based on ANB and Wits appraisal: Pattern I, when ANB angle = 0-4° and BO was ahead AO by 1mm in males (SD = 1.17 ± 1.9mm), 0mm in females (SD = -0.10 ± 1.77mm); Pattern II, when ANB >4° and BO was located behind AO (43 subjects); and Pattern III, ANB < 0° and BO was ahead of AO (43 subjects). Each group had 43 lateral cephalograms, with a total of 129 cephalograms. The samples were divided into three groups only if they satisfied the criteria of both ANB and Wits appraisal. For this, 26 selected landmarks were identified and, using 13 linear measurements, facial soft tissue thickness and pharyngeal airway widths were measured and compared among the different skeletal patterns.

There was statistically significant difference in facial soft tissue thickness in the different skeletal patterns. Labrale superius and stomion were statistically significant and higher in Pattern III and smaller in Pattern II. Labrale inferius was found to be statistically significant and higher in Pattern II and smaller in Pattern III. Though not statistically significant, the thickness at Menton, Pogonion, and Gnathion was higher in Pattern II, average in Pattern I and smaller in Pattern III. Sexual dimorphism was noted: Men had a greater soft tissue thickness than women in all sites. There was statistically significant difference in pharyngeal airway widths in different skeletal malocclusions. Both upper and lower pharyngeal airway widths were found to be statistically significant and higher in Pattern III and smaller in skeletal Pattern II.

When developing orthodontic treatment plans, soft tissue differences and pharyngeal airway widths need to be taken into account as crucial factors. The findings of the current study indicate that there was a substantial correlation between the thickness of the soft tissues in the face, the diameter of the pharynx, and several skeletal patterns.