Evolution of facial profile and soft tissue methods of orthodontic assessments: A narrative review

Aim: Facial soft tissue assessment in orthodontics influences diagnosis, treatment plan, treatment approach, and prediction of potential relapse. It is also paramount in facial aesthetics forethought and outcome. Thus, optimum assessment is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. This article aims to provide a broad overview of the evolution of profiles and soft tissue assessment methods established, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of techniques available in the field. Materials and Methods: Data were obtained by an electronic search through databases of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Results: Literature search in PubMed database using the free-text terms:"((facial profile) OR (soft tissue)) AND (methods orthodontic assessment)" presented with 811 articles from 1978 to August 2021. A search in the Scopus database under the same key words resulted in 1818 relevant primary documents indexed in Scopus from the year 1970 to 2021, whereby Web of Science database yielded 12 articles. A search on google scholar by "facial profile and soft tissue methods of orthodontic assessment" keywords gave out 24,200 articles published. Thirty-one significant articles were included in this review. Conclusion: This review provided simplified information on transformation of profile and soft tissue diagnosis techniques alongside technological advancement in orthodontic practice that has taken place over the years. The evolution from conventional to advanced techniques carries their own strengths and weaknesses. Cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and availability of two-dimensional methods superseded the three-dimensional systems in daily clinical practice providing practical and beneficial information as an adjunct to orthodontic diagnosis.