Aesthetic Chin Lines: A Novel Clinical Assessment for Diagnosis and Treatment of Chin Deformities

Abstract

The chin represents an important component in facial aesthetics. A wide range of facial deformities may alter the chin’s position and may bring along aesthetic and functional implications. It is imperative to consider the current aesthetic ideals, while diagnosing and creating a patient’s treatment plan, instead of using the usual cephalometric analysis. The principal objective of this study was to evaluate the chin’s position in a group of male individuals considered to be facially attractive. Material and methods: This is an observational, longitudinal, and descriptive study, in which 100 high quality photographs of male individuals were collected. Images included a lateral facial view of the subject with the head oriented in a natural position and smiling until exposing at least the upper central incisive teeth. The models were described as facially attractive on specialized web site. Exclusion criteria included excessive facial hair and the presence of jewelry or accessories that made it difficult to identify facial landmarks. Two true vertical lines were traced in each photo, the first one passed through the Subnasale and the other one passed through the vestibular aspect of the upper central incisor, these lines were named “Aesthetic Chin Lines,” subsequently the position of the Pogonion was determined in relation to both lines. Results: In 84 cases (84%) the Pogonion was found between the Aesthetic Chin Lines. In 15 cases (15%) it was found behind the Upper Central Incisor line, and in 1 case (1%) it was found in front of the Subnasal line. Conclusion: With the results obtained in this study, we can determine that the “Aesthetic Chin Lines” described in this manuscript are a diagnostic resource than may help with the treatment plan of dentofacial and chin deformities in male patients.