Morphometric analysis of the upper lip and the action of ageing

ABSTRACT

Background:

A pleasant smile depends on harmonious relationships between the teeth, gums, and lips. The present study measured upper lip changes related to ageing using a morphometric analysis.

Methods:

Fortysix Caucasian women at least 15 years of age were selected and divided into four groups: 15 - 30 years old, 31 - 45 years old, 46 - 60 years old, and > 60 years old. Frontal photographs with closed lips and parted lips were taken. The following measurements were performed: upper lip height, upper vermilion height in parted and closed lips positions, and exposure of the central upper incisors in the relaxed position.

Results:

Upper lip height increased with age. The average upper lip height in the closed lips position was 13.75 mm in the youngest age-range (15 - 30 years old). The upper lip height gradually increased with age until reaching an average of 19.24 mm was observed in the > 60 years old group. The opposite result was observed in upper vermilion height, which decreased with increasing age. The average vermilion height in the parted lips position was 7.09 mm in the youngest age-range (15-30 years old) and decreased to 4.58 mm in the oldest group (> 60 years old). Teeth exposure decreased with age. The average upper teeth exposure was 3.55 mm in the youngest group and decreased to 0.40 mm in the oldest group.

Conclusion:

The upper lip height increases, while the upper vermilion height and exposure of the upper teeth decrease with age.

Keywords:
Lip; Aging; Age Groups