Change in the position of incisors and soft tissues of lower third of face following orthodontic treatment of coverbite

Aim: The aim of our study was to assess the response of soft tissues of lower third of face to dental changes in incisors after orthodontic treatment of coverbite. Material and method: We worked with documentation of 100 patients with completed orthodontic treatment of coverbite at the Department of Orthodontics, Clinic of Dentistry in Olomouc. The treatment took place between 2010 and 2024. All patients had fixed appliance in both upper and lower dental arch. The sample included 66 women and 34 men of the age within the interval 10-45 years. Using lateral cephalograms made prior to and after the treatment we performed the complete Olomouc analysis supplemented with six points in the profile of facial soft tissues. All data were statistically processed and evaluated. Results: Statistically significant dental changes of protruded incisors were found after the orthodontic treatment of coverbite. Soft tissues of lower third of face also responded to sagittal expansion of dentitionɸ– by ventral move corresponding approx.to one third up to one half of teeth movement; lips were prolonged and less thick. Statistical evaluation did not prove relationship between the lip thickness prior to therapy and their shift after therapy. Conclusion: In patients with coverbite the position of soft tissues of lower third of face plays aɸsignificant role in the treatment outcome. With protruded incisors also lips move forward and resulting profile is more esthetic.