[Effect of soft tissue thickness on profile appearance in persons with class III malocclusion].

The aim of the research was to determine the characteristics of soft tissue in persons with class III malocclusion, through the analysis of profile X-rays. The research was carried out on fifty profile X-rays of people with class III malocclusion (eighteen males and thirty two females, from the age of fifteen to twenty five). Linear and angular parameters were analyzed by Burston's and Steiners method. The increased soft tissue thickness in subspinal region in both genders had a partial compensatory effect. The reduced upper and lower lip thickness in females created more harmonious profile in relation to males, in whom lip thickness shows great individual variations. The increased soft tissue thickness in supramental region in males emphasized the abnormality in relation to females.