Preliminary Orthodontic Insights into Facial Soft Tissue Thickness Measurements Using Semi-Automated Cephalometric Analysis in a Cambodian Cohort

Eang Sonita¹SALLY MENG¹Chhay Kimheng¹Anand Marya^1*Prasad Nalabothu²Lao Ryna¹Hiroyasu Kanetaka³Arofi Kurniawan⁴Abedelmalek Kalefh Tabnjh^5,6,7*Siddharthan Selvaraj^1,8

• ¹Faculty of Dentistry, University of Puthisastra,, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• ²Department of Pediatrics Oral Health and Orthodontics, University Center for Dental Medicine UZB, Basel, Switzerland
• ³Division of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, Sendai, Japan
• ⁴Department of Forensic Odontology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
• ⁵Department of Cariology, Institute of Odontology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
• ⁶Department of Applied Dental Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
• ⁷Dental Research Unit, Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India
• ⁸Department of Dental Research Cell, Dr.D.Y. Patil Dental College & Hospital, Dr.D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth,, Pune, India

Abstract: Background: The facial soft tissue thickness [FSTT] is a prominent factor in orthodontic diagnoses and treatment planning. The variance in FSTT measurements then gives orthodontists a better understanding of how to shape their treatment (based on classification of skeletal deformity and sex). This study aimed to assess the FSTT differences in a population of Cambodian adults aged 18–25 (in skeletal classes I, II, and III) and between genders. Method: A retrospective audit of 300 lateral cephalometric radiographs was undertaken through UP Dental Hospital. The sample was stratified equally by sex and skeletal class (n = 100 per class; 50 males, 50 females) based on Steiner analysis SNA, SNB and ANB. Linear FSTT measurements were carried out at 11 points using the software Webceph. Results: Significant FSTT differences were measured at the various cephalometric landmarks; in males, significant difference is noted at Rhinion, Subnasale, Labrale superius, and Stomion. In females, significant differences exist at Subnasale, Labrale superius, Stomion, and Labrale inferius. Males had a thicker soft tissue than females when evaluated collectively among the 11 points and skeletal Classes. Conclusion: FSTT helps in determining individualized treatment plans. Of the modalities of imaging that are available, lateral cephalometric radiography still represents the gold standard for determining facial soft tissue. This study provides a baseline reference for orthodontists, maxillofacial surgeons, and dental surgeons in Cambodia for treatment planning. Knowledge of the differences in FSTT could contribute to more customized treatment plans.