Analysis of Cephalometric Soft Tissue Characteristics in Male and Female Patients Using the Legan–Burstone Method: A Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh

Abstract

The facial soft tissue profile significantly influences aesthetic perception and guides orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. The Legan–Burstone cephalometric analysis provides a reliable assessment method; however, data on gender-based soft tissue variations among Bangladeshi skeletal Class I patients remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate and compare cephalometric soft tissue parameters using Legan–Burstone analysis between male and female patients with skeletal Class I malocclusion. This cross-sectional study was conducted at BSMMU, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from February 2019 to March 2020. A total of 160 skeletal Class I patients (80 males, 80 females) were studied. Data were analyzed by SPSS 23.0. Males had significantly higher facial convexity angles (12.8° ±2.1° vs 11.2° ±1.9°), maxillary prognathism (4.6 ±0.8 vs 4.0 ±0.7 mm), mandibular prognathism (3.9 ±0.9 vs 3.3 ±0.8 mm), and lower facial height ratios (56.2% ±3.5% vs 53.8% ±3.2°) than females. Females had wider nasolabial angles (109.2° ±6.3° vs 104.5° ±5.8°) and greater maxillary incisor visibility (3.2 ±0.9 vs 2.7 ±0.8 mm). These findings confirm significant gender differences in soft tissue parameters. Male skeletal Class I patients exhibited more pronounced facial convexity, jaw prominence, vertical facial dimensions, and lip protrusion, while females showed wider nasolabial angles and greater maxillary incisor display, highlighting the importance of gender-specific soft tissue norms in orthodontic planning.  

CBMJ 2026 July: Vol. 15 No. 02 P:304-313