Do orthodontic extractions have an impact on the cutaneous profile?

Orthodontic treatments can have an impact on the soft tissues and more particularly on the cutaneous profile. The aim of this work was to evaluate profile changes following orthodontic treatment. Material and methods: This study concerned 90 patients randomly selected in the orthodontic department of Monastir (Tunisia). Profile headfilms at the start and at the end of orthodontic treatment were compared using, as reference lines, the SN-7° plane and the orthogonal to SN-7° plane going through the S-point (POSN- 7°). The Student test was applied to evaluate the variations in the cephalometric measurements. The Pearson test was used to study the correlation between the horizontal tooth movements and facial profile changes. Results: We noted a significant decrease in the upper labral (Ls) (p=0.049) and lower labral (p=0.048) as well as a significant increase in the labio-mental angle (p=0.025) in patients treated with extractions of premolars. A positive correlation between the incisor movements and the reduction of the labial protrusion was observed. Conclusion: The results of this study have shown that the movements of the incisors consecutive to extractions can have tangible effects on the cutaneous profile. Further investigations should be carried out to highlight the relationship between tooth movement and soft tissue.