A photometric soft-tissue profile assessment in a Western Cape sample

Abstract

Cephalometric norms for the soft-tissue profile presently utilized in this country, are based almost entirely on North American Caucasian and Negroid studies. Orthodontists use these standards as a guide in the treatment of all sections of the South African population. Various studies have conclusively shown that the soft-tissue profile differs both racially, and from country to country. In recent years the number of patients presenting for orthodontic treatment at the University of the Western Cape has increased significantly. The need has therefore arisen for the establishment of soft-tissue profile trends in the Western Cape area.