Effects of four premolar extractions on vermilion height and lip area during a posed smile in patients with bimaxillary protrusion.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of four premolar extractions and orthodontic treatment on changes to the lips and vermilion height during a posed smile.

Methods: Fifteen female patients who were diagnosed with bimaxillary protrusion and treated with four premolar extractions were selected. The control group consisted of 25 female volunteers with a normal occlusion. Frontal photographs of the patients during a posed smile were taken before and after orthodontic treatment. Thirty-five landmarks on the upper and lower lips were identified and used to generate measurements of lip area and vermilion height. Linear and angular cephalometric measurements were also obtained.

Results: The mean values for vermilion height and lip form before orthodontic treatment were significantly larger in the treatment group compared with those of the control group. Following treatment, values significantly decreased to the extent that there was no significant difference in the vermilion height and lip form between the post-treatment and control groups. Only three and four significant correlations were found between the changes in incisor position and changes in vermilion height and lip area for the upper and lower lips, respectively.

Conclusions: The vermilion height and lip area in patients with bimaxillary protrusion approached comparative and normal values as a result of four premolar extractions and orthodontic retraction.