[Effects of vestibular shield appliances on lip morphological changes in mouth breathing patients].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the soft tissue position changes in the lower 1/3 of face after application of the vestibular shield for correction of mouth dyspnea.

METHODS

A total of 32 pediatric patients wearing vestibular shield appliances for mouth breathing correction were reviewed, and the changes of upper and lower lip positions as well as chin position before and after appliance treatment were compared and analysed. GraphPad Prism 6.0 software package was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

The values of lateral protrusion N'-Sn-Pog' (facial convexity), nasolabial angle (Cm-Sn-Ls) lower lip protrusion (LL-EP) and upper lip prominence (UL-EP) were significantly reduced, of which UL-EP changes were the most obviously changed parameter. In addition, the chin morphology associated parameters Si-LiPg' and Sn-Gn'-C were significantly improved after treatment as well. No significant differences were observed within gender.

CONCLUSIONS

Vestibular shield treatment for patients with mouth breathing can effectively improve the lip morphology.