Anthropometric Evaluation of Facial Dimensions in Population of Western Maharashtra

Abstract

Objective: The present study was carried out to evaluate an average ratio between specific soft tissue parameters of the face among the young adult population of Karad, Maharashtra. The soft tissue parameters gauged in the present study are inner canthal distance, outer canthal distance, alar base width and distance between the corners of the mouth. Rationale: The average ratio of soft tissue parameters of the face can act as a guideline for effective treatment of teeth and dento facial structures as well as soft tissue outlines. Materials and Methods: 1,786 young adults aged between 18 and 20 years from Karad city were initially screened, out of which 1,000 were selected on the basis of the inclusion criteria. The fronto-facial photographs of the selected subjects were captured using a digital camera. The selected facial soft tissue parameters were digitally measured, and the data were subjected to statistical analysis. Result: The values of the parameters measured were marginally more in males; however, the ratio among the parameters was similar in both the sexes. The average ratio between the inner canthal distance, alar base width and distance between corners of the mouth was found to be 1:1.3:1.7, and the average ratio etween the outer canthal distance, alar base width and distance between the corners of the mouth was found to be 2.3:1:1.3 . Conclusion: The different parts of the human face exist in certain proportions. Establishing the ratio between these parameters is important to facilitate proper diagnosis and treatment planning for the specific population. KEYWORDS: Facial measurements, Golden proportions, Digital photography