Evaluation of the Lip-Tooth Relation in Various Growth Patterns- A Cephalometric Study

Abstract

Upper incisor crown exposure is directly influenced by hard and soft tissue structures that surround and
support these teeth. The amount of upper incisor crown exposure has a direct impact on dentofacial esthetics.
Lip-tooth relationship during speech and smiling are important aspects of facial esthetics. Hence, the aim
of this study was to evaluate the lip-tooth relations in subjects with different types of growth patterns using
lateral cephalograms. Methods-This was a retrospective study wherein case records of adult subjects aged
18-35 years were involved. A total of 30 case records of patients who had reported to a university hospital
were identified and included in the study. The records of subjects were divided equally into three groups
Group A - horizontal growth pattern; group B - average growth pattern and group C - vertical growth pattern.
All lateral cephalograms were measured using FACAD software. A chi-square test was used to determine
the association of lip-tooth relationships in various growth patterns. One-way ANOVA was used to compare
the incisor exposure in different growth patterns. One-way ANOVA reported a statistically significant
difference in lip-tooth exposure in various growth patterns (p=0, p<0.05). Similarly, chi-square test revealed
a statistically significant association between lip-tooth relationships in various growth patterns (p=.00,
p<0.05) Within the limitations of this study it can be concluded that there was an increased cervico-incisal
exposure of incisors in vertical growth pattern as compared to average and horizontal growth patterns.