Holdaway soft tissue cephalometric standards for Saudi adults

The aim of this study was to report facial soft tissue cephalometric standards for a sample of Saudi adults and to compare them with the findings of other ethnic groups. Lateral cephalometric radiographs of 61 Saudi subjects (30 females and 31 males) with ages that ranged from 20 to 24 years were selected. Subjects had Class I occlusal relationship with a balanced facial profile. Holdaway soft tissue analysis was then applied to measure two angular and nine linear parameters. The obtained findings were then compared to the Anatolian Turkish, Japanese, and Holdaway reported norms. Saudi sample showed a more convex skeletal profile (1.75 mm ± 2.3) and prominent upper and lower lips. Nose prominence was found to be reduced (13.46 mm ± 3.22) and the H angle was increased (15.16° ± 3.22). Saudi males were shown to have a more prominent upper lip and nose when compared with Saudi females (p < 0.05). It has been concluded that Saudi standards for Holdaway soft tissue analysis were found to be statistically different from other ethnic group reported findings. Considering such standards for the studied population would aid in better diagnosis and treatment planning.