軟組織側貌一直是牙科治療所關注的議題。一個合理的治療方案不只是齒列的整齊，更重要的是側貌的改善與否。因此本篇綜述透過對齒顎矯正相關文獻的整理，主要著重於(1)軟組織側貌的評價方法，(2)軟組織側貌的種族差異，(3)軟組織側貌與生長發育，(4)軟組織側貌與矯正拔牙模式等這四大方面。希望能對牙科臨床醫師在評價患者的軟組織時有所助益。

The study of esthetics and harmony of the facial profile has been a major concern to the practice of orthodontics from its earliest days. Because treatment mechanics are becoming more effective, there has been an increased emphasis on the soft tissue profile, both in diagnosis and treatment planning. Many orthodontists stress the importance of soft tissue diagnosis. The changes that occur in the soft-tissue profile during orthodontic treatment have played a significant role in the diagnosis and treatment planning process. Although, orthodontists have long recognized that the extraction of premolars often is accompanied by changes in the soft-tissue profile, investigations indicate that the soft tissue does not always respond favorably to hard-tissue retraction.