Análisis fotográfico del perfil facial en jóvenes de diferentes regiones del Ecuador, pertenecientes a la carrera de Odontología de la Universidad Católica de Cuenca 2023

Abstract

Ecuador is a multiethnic and geographically diverse country, with several regions classified as the coast, highlands, east, and insular region. The variations between these regions are characterized by topography, climate, and ethnicity. Individuals that preserve morphological characteristics or facial features specific to each region or ethnicity that have yet to be studied are found in each area. Therefore, the objective was to compare facial profile measurements according to Powell's analysis among dental students from the Catholic University of Cuenca from the Ecuadorian Coast, Highlands, and East. Powell's angular measurements were compared in the facial profile photographs of 93 students in each region. Descriptive statistics were conducted, and for the relationship of the angular measurements, the ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) or Kruskal Wallis test was used according to the normality of the data, with a significance level α 0.05. Differences were observed; however, they were not statistically significant in any angle of the facial profile. Highlands students showed increased prominence of the glabella and nose, lower profile convexity, and more projected nasal tip. Those from the coast displayed an improved nasal projection, mandibular retrognathism, and proclination of upper incisors. In the east, there is a retroclination of lower incisors.