COMPARISON OF LIP THICKNESS AND LIP LENGTH BETWEEN COMPETENT AND INCOMPETENT LIPS

Objective: To compare the lip length and lip thickness in competent and incompetent lips by using cephalometric radiographs in our population. Material and methods: Lateral cephalometric radiographs of 101 subjects were manually traced and upper and lower lip lengths and lip thickness, distance from E plane and S plane to upper and lower lips were measured. Statistical analysis was done Chi square test was applied to compare the lip thickness and lip length in competent and incompetent lips with p-value ≤ 0.05 taken as significant. Results: The mean age of the included individuals was 17.6 years ± 4.07SD. 68.3% Samples of age less than or equal to 20 years were competent lips, 76.1% were incompetent lip. 31.7% had competent lips and 23.9% with incompetent lips with age group >20 years. Likewise, 36.7% and 37% were males in competent and incompetent lips category while 63.3% were females in competent and 63% with incompetent lips.  Mean comparison of planes and lip thickness with lip competency, gender and age group showed no significant results statistically (p >0.05) whereas, the upper lip length and thickness significantly differ in males and females. Conclusion:  Cephalometric radiographs are useful to evaluate the difference in lip competency among males, females and different age groups The mean comparison of lip thickness and planes with competent and incompetent lips was statistically insignificant. Males have considerate lip thickness and length compared to females.