“Análisis facial fotográfico frontal en estudiantes de la costa, sierra y oriente del Ecuador, pertenecientes a la carrera de Odontología de la Universidad Católica de Cuenca, 2023.”

Abstract

Introduction: Frontal facial analysis is of utmost importance for diagnosis as it provides measurements to define facial harmony, focusing on the vertical and transversal proportions that establish the symmetry of the face. Objective: To analyze frontal facial photographs in students from the coast, highlands, and eastern Ecuador enrolled in Dentistry program at the Catholic University of Cuenca. Methods: An observational study with a quantitative, descriptive approach was conducted. Thirty- one frontal extraoral photographs of students affiliated with each region were analyzed. The photographs were analyzed in the AutoCAD2023 software, using frontal analysis according to Farkas. Average measurements were determined according to sex and region of origin. A descriptive data analysis was performed and an ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test was used to relate the average of facial measurements in individuals from different regions. The significance level was set at 5% (p<0.05). Results: Differences in measurements were found between students from the highlands compared to those from the coast; the dolichofacial pattern predominated in all students. However, a statistically significant difference was found in facial morphology between students from the highlands and the coast. Conclusions: A longer face was predominant in students from the highlands than students from the coast and eastern regions.