So-Yun Lee; Sun-Kyoung Yu; Sung-Hoon Lim & Seorin Jeong

This study aimed to investigate three-dimensional variations in lower facial soft-tissue thickness across genders and skeletal malocclusion classifications using a structured-light scanner. The null hypothesis was that gender and skeletal malocclusion classification do not significantly affect soft-tissue thickness. A total of 191 Korean adults (94 males, 97 females) aged 20–41 years were included. Soft- tissue thickness at key anatomical landmarks was measured using a structured-light scanner (Morpheus 3D, Seoul, Korea) and analyzed in relation to skeletal malocclusion classifications determined by Steiner’s analysis. Statistical analyses included ANOVA, Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference test, the Kruskal–Wallis test, and the Mann–Whitney U test. Significant gender- and malocclusion-based variations in lower facial soft-tissue thickness were identified. Males exhibited greater thickness at Pogonion–Pogonion ′, Menton–Menton′, and A Point–A′ Point compared with females. Among skeletal classifications, significant intergroup differences were observed. Class II subjects exhibited greater thickness at Pogonion–Pogonion′ than Class III, whereas Class III subjects showed greater thickness at A Point–A′ Point compared with both Class I and Class II. Gender and skeletal classification significantly influence lower facial soft-tissue thickness, underscoring their relevance in anatomical assessments and maxillofacial treatment planning using structured-light scanning.

KEY WORDS: Soft-tissue thickness; Structured-light scanner; Skeletal malocclusion; Cephalometric analysis; Orthodontic diagnosis.

LEE, S-Y.; YU, S-K.; LIM, S-H. & JEONG, S. Skeletal malocclusion-related differences in lower facial soft-tissue thickness in Korean adults measured with a facial scanner. Int. J. Morphol., 44(1):108-115, 2026.