Anthropometric vs. Dental Variables of the Ageing Face: A Clinical Study

Abstract

Background: Biological ageing and pathological changes of teeth impact the appearance and may hinder the effectiveness of facial aesthetic treatments. The present cross-sectional study in Caucasian dentate individuals aimed to measure facial features of the lower and middle parts of the face across different ages and to identify any significant impacts of age, sex and dental variables on facial aesthetics. Methods: Fifty-eight adults (ranging from 26 to 79 years of age) participated in the study. Facial measurements were collected via digital two-dimensional photography, and intraoral variables were recorded. The data were digitally analysed using ImageJ software and statistically analysed using SPSS Software. Results: The lower and middle third of the face revealed statistically significant changes across the age span tested, with the middle third presenting higher values in females and the lower appearing more prominent in males. A negative correlation with age was revealed for the distance between the pupil and the orbital point. Intraoral dental variables were also significantly related to facial measures. Conclusions: The study enriches the anthropometric data available for the Greek population, with age and sex significantly impacting facial aesthetics and oral variables. Considering such information during preoperative planning for full-arch dental restorations or facial surgery is essential.