“Critical” values of parameters of facial profile esthetics

Objective. To carry out the expert assessment of the facial profile esthetics with transformation of angular parameters beyond the normal values.

Materials and methods. The expert analysis enclosed 22 independent orthodontists (11 men, mean age 36.8 ± 1.2 years; 11 women, mean age 35.3 ± 2.2 years) using graphic schemes of male and female facial profiles with changed angular parameters.

Results. It was established that the changed angular parameters of the facial profile beyond the borders of the referent intervals negatively influence the assessment of attractiveness of the profile. The analysis of expert evaluation curves detected the values, with which the facial profile is perceived as an unattractive: the profile angle in men > 164° and < 182°, in women < 160° and > 178°; the convexity angle of the face in men > 16° and < 2°, in women > 14° and < 2°; the nasolabial angle in men > 120° and < 70°, in women > 115° and < 70°; the mentolabial angle in men > 150° and < 90°, in women > 150° and < 95°; the convexity angle of the lips in men > 150° and < 85°, in women > 150° and < 105°; the nasofacial angle for both sexes > 45° and < 20°. There exist also “critical” values of parameters, on reaching which the further change in the latter does not lead to the change in expert evaluation of “extremely unattractive” profile.

Conclusions. When evaluating the facial profile esthetics, it is necessary to orientate oneself to the degree of deviation of parameters from the mean values taking into account the gender dimorphism. The presence of parameter with “critical” value has an extremely negative effect on the profile esthetics, which is characterized as “extremely unattractive” irrespective of the values of other parameters.