Soft tissue profiles of 3-5 year old preschool children

Abstract

Objective: Identifying the characteristics of soft-tissue profiles in 3-5 year old children. Methods: Children that participated in the study were selected from the 6 major districts of Ankara. In the selected schools, 3-5 year old 1513 children with primary dentition were examined and profile photographs were obtained. Facial convexity angle (FCA) and Total facial convexity angle (TFCA) were measured from profile photographs. Results: The mean values for the total facial convexity (145.9°±4.2) and facial convexity (165.3°±4.5) angles were determined. FCA and TFCA were significantly influenced by primary second molar terminal plane relationship. Conclusion: Finding of this study may be used as clinical references for pediatric dental patients and also, the significant relationship between soft tissue profile and primary occlusion is important for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment of pediatric dental patients.