CATEGORY 40 AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST more prominent than the chin) indicates a skeletal Class II pattern. A concave profile (where the chin is more prominent than the upper jaw) suggests a skeletal Class III pattern. This analysis helps identify underlying skeletal discrepancies critical to diagnosis and treatment planning. Lip prominence: Lip prominence is a measure of the competence of lips. When incisors are proclined, lips are noticeably forward and more than 3-4mm apart. This is called potentially incompetent lips suggestive of an underlying Proclination. In these cases, patients may need to strain to close their lips, and bringing the teeth back (retraction) can improve both appearance and lip function. CLINICAL Fig 4: Truly incompetent lips due to short upper lip2. Fig 6: E line used as a measurement to analyse lip competence. Fig 8: Chin throat angle. Fig 5: Assessment of lip prominence using two lines. Fig 7: Potentially incompetent lips and acute nasolabial angle. If the lips are prominent but can close easily without effort, tooth position likely isn’t the cause, and retraction may not help. This condition may be because of a naturally short upper lip, otherwise known as truly incompetent [Fig 4]. To assess this, the face should be viewed in profile with relaxed lips, using vertical lines through certain facial points to judge if the lips are forward (prominent) or behind (retrusive) [Fig 5]. Other features, like nose size, chin position, and lower face height, can also affect how prominent the lips appear [Fig 6-7]. Chin throat angle: It is the measure of throat length and the angle formed by the throat line with chin line. In Class II cases, the chin-throat angle is good; however, throat length is short due to mandibular deficiency. When there is more submental fat tissue, Chin throat angle is obtuse, but the throat length is normal [Fig 8]. Conclusion With the evolving trend and soft tissue paradigm shift, macroaesthetic considerations play a crucial role in orthodontics. While the underlying skeletal and dental malocclusion is important, emphasis on how the face appears overall outweighs all other parameters. Decisions regarding extractions, camouflage treatments, or skeletal correction should be guided by the broader goal of achieving facial harmony and soft tissue balance, not just occlusal or structural perfection. u Reference: 1. Behrbohm, Hans; Tardy, M. Eugene. (2017). Essentials of Septorhinoplasty (Philosophy, Approaches, Techniques) || Chapter 3 Facial Proportions and Aesthetic Ideals in Rhinoplasty. , 10.1055/b-005-143328(), –. doi:10.1055/b-0037-144931 2. Grover, Harpreet & Gupta, Anil & Luthra, Shailly. (2014). Lip repositioning surgery: A pioneering technique for perio-esthetics. Contemporary clinical dentistry. 5. 142-5. 10.4103/0976-237X.128697. 3. Contemporary Orthodontics 6th edition: Textbook by William Proffit www.chlorofluor.com.au www.profdent.com.au A POWERFUL ORAL CARE SOLUTION Proudly Australian Made & Owned
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