SOFT TISSUE ESTHETICS

Orthodontics is the branch which aims to provide the culmination of structural balance, functional efficiency and esthetic harmony to the patients. Although all three of them are equally important, the fact that ‘what we know, is what we see’ cannot be underestimated which is why soft tissue esthetics of the patient is essential for enhanced treatment outcomes.

Extra orally, forehead, nose, chin and lips; whereas, intraorally gingiva, palatal mucosa, frenum, cheek and tongue are the major structures that are assessed while examining the soft tissues. Ideal profile can be divided into three equal parts Frontal, Nasal and Gnathic third.  Vertical disharmony between lip lengths and skeletal height, existing lip positions and needed changes in upper incisor exposure, inter-labial gap, lip length and proportion can be assessed and accordingly treatment is planned. Along with nasolabial angle horizontal nasal prominence, columellar length, nasal projection should be considered. If orthodontic tooth movement cannot produce the necessary facial changes, then surgery is indicated.

Soft tissue changes during the course of treatment should be considered. Method of treatment should be chosen or modified such that it improves or at least does not compromise the patient profile. Aesthetic aspects need to be seriously considered, being a factor of prime importance in the motivation of patients coming for treatment.