A comprehensive assessment of the nasal profile among Iraqi adults with different skeletal classes: A retrospective study.

[AIM] This study was performed to investigate differences in the nasal profile of Iraqi adults with different skeletal class groups.

[MATERIALS AND METHODS] Cephalometric radiographs of 90 subjects of Iraqi origin, with the age range of 18-25 years. The collected radiographs were divided into three groups (n = 30) according to the skeletal discrepancies. Different lines and angles were measured and analyzed to determine the size, shape, and position of the nose relative to other facial structures from lateral cephalometric radiograph of each subject.

[RESULTS] A number of statistically significant changes were found between cephalometric measurements that reflected differences between the three skeletal class groups. Significant male-female differences were found in the measurements of nasolabial angle and the horizontal distances relating the nose to the incisal edge of the most prominent maxillary central incisor and to the chin. The angular measurements of the nasal tip projection angle, nasomental angle and nasofacial angle were also considerably varied among the three skeletal class groups alongside the vertical distances relating the nose to the upper lip, the incisal edge of the most prominent maxillary central incisor and to the chin.

[CONCLUSION] This study adds valuable information about the impact of the size, shape of nose and its relative position to other craniofacial structures on the nasal profile in patients of Iraqi origin with different skeletal classes. Therefore, the results of the present study are useful guidance for cosmetic surgeons and orthodontists during diagnosis and planning for cosmetic rhinoplasty and orthodontic treatment in Iraqi adults.