Evaluation of the profile line in prognathic patients in the Saxony-Anhalt region of Germany.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the soft-tissue morphology and profile line of prognathic patients in the Saxony-Anhalt region of central Germany. To this effect, the profile photographs and lateral cephalograms taken at treatment start for 34 adults (17 female patients, mean age: 22.6 years; 17 male patients; mean age: 23.2 years), Class III subjects who had not undergone orthodontic treatment, were measured and, by means of statistical analysis, the findings were compared with those of an age-matched control group (17 female subjects, mean age: 21.4 years; 17 male subjects, mean age: 23.8 years). Patients with Class III anomalies had a significantly longer and thinner lower lip and a smaller lower subnasal angle than the control subjects. The lower face was markedly enlarged. Furthermore, the osseous profile line was significantly flatter and the soft-tissue convexity was considerably reduced compared with the control group. Hence the prognathic patients of central Germany manifested typical features of the prognathic profile line. To elucidate typical regional features, further comparative studies are required.