The thickness of the upper and lower soft lip tissue differs due to age and gender

The Thickness Of The Upper And Lower Soft Lip Tissue Differs Due To Age And Gender This research was accomplished to determine changes of lower and upper lip thickness depending on age and sex. For this purpose, lateral cephalometric images of 220 healthy (87 females and 133 males) 16-74 years old people applied to Çukurova University and Baºkent University (Adana) Dentistry Faculty Orthodontia Policlinics for various purpose between years 2011-2013 were evaluated. Cephalometric images belonged to individuals who have not received an orthodontic treatment and showed normal growth and development and have not experienced any surgical attempt on face. All individuals were divided into three groups (Group I; between 16-19 years, Group II; between 20-25 years and Group III; between 26-74 years). Upper (Pr- Ls) and lower (Id-Li) lip thicknesses of the individuals cephalometric images were measured by determining 6 references points on the images. Results showed that lower lip thickness (Id-Li) and the distance between interception point of upper and lower lip and incisive teeth (U1-St) varied in individuals in Group II and Group III depending on sex, however this relationship was not seen in individuals in Group I. Lip thickness values were found to be higher in males compared to females. Cut-off values regarded as quite good for diagnosis for all three parameters were determined with ROC curve analysis performed to determine the cut-off values between men and women; for Pr-Ls is 25,8 mm (sen: 71%, spe: 77%), for Id-Li is 28,0 mm (sen: 81% spe: 74%), for U1- St is 12,3 mm (sen: 77%, spe: 70%). As a result, it is thought that knowing the changes of upper and lower lip soft tissue thicknesses depending on age and sex will contribute to forensic anthropologists and in applying of facial reconstruction techniques to plastic and reconstructive surgeons and orthodontists to determine the treatment plan and evaluate compatibility after treatment. Key Words: Facial soft tissue, Cephalometry, Upper lip, Lower lip, Cutoff value,