Soft-tissue paradigm: A review

Abstract

Facial esthetics and balanced facial proportions are the expectations of the orthodontic patient. Promising and achieving the desired facial esthetic outcome, with functional harmony are the major orthodontic challenges. A detailed study of facial hard and soft-tissue structures is required for an orthodontist to evaluate, diagnose, and treat the chief complaints of an individual orthodontic patient. Orthodontic treatment has evolved from the angles paradigm to the soft-tissue paradigm. Evaluation in terms of facial esthetics requires a thorough understanding of the concept of the soft-tissue paradigm. This review article summarizes existing major facial esthetic parameters comprehensively and will also act as a guide for the detailed scientific evaluation of soft-tissue proportions in achieving treatment goals in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.