The role of the nose and cranial base in profile assessment: a morphological comparison between native African and Caucasian samples.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the position of the nose and how it affects clinical judgment of the face in a native African sample.

METHODS

We considered the anatomic location of the nose with respect to the anterior cranial base (ACB) as well as to the maxillary lip, based on guidelines set down by Holdaway but slightly modified for purposes of this research.

RESULTS

A comparison of the Shona to a Caucasian sample using selected parameters devised by Holdaway (pronasale to labrale superius) indicated that the Shona had a nose and ACB that were shorter than those of the comparative group of Caucasians. The short anterior cranial base was associated with a short and retro-positioned nose which resulted in deceptively protrusive lips when assessed using Ricketts' profile line. Whilst there was no difference in nose depth between the groups, the nasal angle of the Shona was larger than that of Caucasians, indicating an up-tipped nose.

CONCLUSION

The position of the nose has a bearing on orthodontic treatment planning. Understanding the facial morphology of the Shona led us to conclude that conventional soft tissue measurements may not be applicable to all patients who present for orthodontic treatment, and that it may be necessary to advise the patient to seek other avenues for satisfactory management, which, depending on the chief complaint, may include surgical augmentation of the nose and chin.