Angular Photogrammetric Analysis of the Soft Tissue Facial Profile and Sexual Dimorphism in Young Adults in Zanjan

Facial features are different depending on gender and race. These features are usually studied in profile view. Angular evaluation of the facial soft tissue profile is important in males and females of different races for correct diagnosis and treatment planning. For this reason, in the present study, we measured the facial profile angles in young adults in Zanjan.

In this descriptive cross-sectional study, the photographs of 35 males and 35 females between 16 to 30 years were studied. The patients had class I malocclusion without a history of trauma, plastic surgery, or previous orthodontic treatment. Using AutoCAD software (version 2015), 12 angles were meas-ured on the facial profile view photographs. Student t-test was used for statistical analysis.

There were significant differences between males and females in four angles namely the nasal angle, angle of the nasal dorsum, angle of the inferior facial third, and angle of facial convexity (P<0.05). The nasal angle in females was larger than that in males, but the angle of the nasal dorsum, angle of the inferior facial third, and angle of facial convexity were wider in males. Other angles did not show any sig-nificant difference between males and females.

In the present study, soft tissue facial measurements were performed by means of photogrammetric analysis to help orthodontists carry out quantitative eval-uations and make disciplined decisions. The mean values obtained can also be used for studies comparing the records of participants with the same characteristics in other ethnicities.