Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to establish the norms of soft-tissue profile analysis for a sample of Assamese young adults. Methods: Facial-profile photographs were taken of 70 Assamese (35males, 35 females) with normal occlusions and balanced faces, ranging in age from 18 to 25 years. Thefacial-profile variables were measured by computerized means and compared with white American norms by using the independent t test. Results: Statistically significant differences were found in the Assamese sample compared with the white American norms. Assamese males were found to have more forwardly placed glabellae, deeper lower labial sulci, and more retrusive chin than white American males. Regarding the projection of the nose, upper lip and lower lip, it was found that Assamese males had less prominent noses, less protrusive lips as compared with white American males. Assamese females were also found to have more anteriorly placed glabella, more posteriorly positioned point B’ and more retruded position of chin as compared to white American females. Regarding the projection of the nose, upper lip and lower lip, it was found that Assamese females had less prominent nose and less protrusive lips as compared with white American females.Conclusions: A singlenorm for facial-profile esthetics does not apply to all ethnic groups. The normative data thus obtained might serve as a useful reference for orthodontists and maxillofacial surgeons for the diagnosis and treatment planning when dealing with the patients of Assamese ethnic group.

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