Korean J Orthod.  1989 Mar;19(1):7-20.

A longitudinal study of soft-tissue facial profile changes in Korean children

• Chung KR

Abstract

A serial cephalometric study was undertaken to define the growth of the soft tissue facial profile in Korean children. The sample was composed of 25 males and 15 females for whom yearly cephalometric records were taken from the ages of 6 to 13 years. From the tracings, points on skeletal and soft tissue profiles were located and recorded on magnetic tape utilizing a Calcomp Talos RP660 X-Y digitizer. Linear and angular measurements of soft tissues were made directly from tape in a Cyber 174-16 computer after cephalometric enlargement had been corrected. A statistical evaluation was made of the data and the average profile diagrams in male and female were described by a Calcomp 960 pen plotter. On the basis of the findings of this study, the following trends were established. 1. The most prominent growth in soft tissue facial profile thickness was the nose and the least was the forehead. 2. The general growth direction of the soft facial tissue to the cranium described the downward and forward. 3. The degree of soft tissue facial convexity was decidely more than that exhibited earlier in life even though the soft tissue chin had protruded to the cranium. 4. The measurements indicated a general tendency for males to have larger nose and more convex and long soft tissue facial profile than did females. 5. Males showed significantly more growth than females in base of the upper lip and height of the upper anterior facial profile. 6. There was a difference between males and females in the rates of soft tissue facial profile growth. 7. Korean children showed less convex in the soft tissue profile convexity than did American children.

MeSH Terms

Child*
Chin
Female
Forehead
Humans
Lip
Longitudinal Studies*
Male
Nose
Skull