Abstract

The aim of the study is to evaluate and compare the soft tissue chin thickness values among adult patients with different vertical growth patterns. A sample size of 180 adults patients (32 males and 148 females), with an average age of 21.42 years (range 17- 32 years), was selected. The sample was divided into three groups according to the vertical growth pattern using SNMP angle (hypodivergent <27°, normodivergent 27-37° and hyperdivergent >37°). The soft tissue chin thicknesses in each group were measured at pogonion (Pog), gnathion (Gn), and menton (Me) and analyzed using the one-way analysis of variance and post-hoc Tukey test. The soft tissue chin thickness values were greater in hypodivergent group at Pog (12.71±2.10 mm), Gn (9.72 ± 2.55 mm) and Me (9.13 ± 2.88 mm) and smallest in hyperdivergent group (Pog 8.05 ±1.20 mm, Gn 6.07±1.47 mm, Me 5.91±1.21 mm). The soft tissue chin thicknesses were greater in men than women.  Soft tissue chin thickness was greater in hypodivergent adults than those of normodivergent and hyperdivergent adults. In all the three groups, soft tissue thickness values were greater in men than women.

Key words: Vertical pattern, soft tissue, thickness, adult, chin.