In this study, mandibular lateral deviation and soft tissue outline were compared in order to observe the effects of changes in the mesurement positions for mandibular asymmetry to soft tissue outline.
The results were as follows:
1) A comparison of each measurement point of the soft tissue showed a strong correlation between the horizontal deviation of the mentalis and the horizontal deviation of the gonion. No significant correlation was seen, however, with thevertical deviation of the gonion.
2) When soft and hard tissues were compared a correlation was found between the midfacial contour and the horizontal deviation of the mentalis as well as a strong correlation with the horizontal deviation of the gonion. With lower facial contours, however, no such correlations were observed.
The results suggested that mid-facial contours are strongly affected by mandible, especially gonion, deviation. It also suggested that the asymmetry of the measuring positions used in this study was not the only factor which determines the lower facial outline.