A cephalometric study on the soft-tissue profile changes following the incisor retraction

Ha, Jeong Kuk; Cha, Kyung Suk

Abstract

This study was carried out in order to find out the soft tissue profile changes associated with maxillary incisor retraction in Angle's class I malocclusion patients. For this study fifty two female adult patients (Maximum Retraction Group 23, Minimum Retraction Group 29) who received orthodontic treatment were chosen. Following conclusions were obtained by analysing the changes of soft tissue and hard tissue before and after treatment. 1. When considering the mean changes of soft tissue and hard tissue, UIP, LIP, Ls, Li (p<0.001), Point B, Si (p<0.01), Point A, Ss (p<0.05) were significant posterior movement in Maximum Retraction Group and UIP (p<0.001), LIP, Ls, Li (p<0.01), Point B, Si (p<0.05) were significant posterior movement in Minimum Retraction Group. 2. When considering the correlations between hard tissue and soft tissue changes, greater correlations were found in Minimum Retraction Group between UIP and Ls (p<0.01), Point A and Ss, UIP and Li, Point B and Si (p<0.05) than Minimum Retraction Group. 3. Correlations (p<0.01) were found between upper incisor retraction and posterior movement of the upper and lower lip in Thin Lip-Thickness Group, whereas no significant correlations were found in Thick Lip-Thickness Group. 4. Mean changes of the soft tissue thickness subsequent to incisor retraction were increased (p<0.01) in upper lip (Ls-Ls'), whereas no changes were found in lower lip.