Ready to Use Norms for Arnett Bergman Soft-Tissue Cephalometric Analysis for South Indian Population

CONTEXT: Variability of the soft-tissue drape in humans has complicated the accuracy of evaluating soft tissue profiles in diagnosis and treatment planning. AIMS: The objective of the present study is to establish soft-tissue cephalometric norms for South Indian population using Arnett Bergman Soft tissue analysis. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This study was conducted at the Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Lateral cephalograms of 60 individuals (30 males and 30 females), age ranging between 18 and 25 years, with orthognathic facial profiles were obtained in natural head position. True vertical line was drawn through subnasale parallel to the vertical reference plane. Measurements were done according to soft-tissue cephalometric analysis. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Student's t-test was used to compare the means between two groups. RESULTS: The results of the study showed significant gender dimorphism, with men having thicker soft-tissue structures, larger vertical dimensions, deep-set midface structures, more upright incisors, and deeper inferior labial sulci than women. When compared with the standard norms, the South Indian population had significantly protruded dentition, thinner soft-tissue drape, shorter vertical face heights, prominent forehead and midface with retusive lower facial thirds and convex profiles as compared to Caucasians. CONCLUSIONS: Significant gender dimorphism was evident in the local population suggesting the need for separate set of norms for males and females. Distinct ethnic differences were found between Caucasians and the Indian population that were statistically significant, highlighting the importance of defining separate set of norms for ethnic groups. The norms obtained should be used as reference when planning treatment of a specific ethnic group.