Analysis and comparison of esthetic faces between Indo-Ariyan and Dravidian races of Indian population: An anthropometric study

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze and compare the facial proportions belonging to the Indo-Ariyan and Dravidian races of the Indian population. Materials and Methods: An anthropometric cross-sectional cohort study was conducted on Indian population enrolling subjects belonging to the Indo-Aryan and Dravidian races with the same racial decent and residing in India. Subjects belonging to the age group of 18 to 25 years, healthy subjects with a normal body mass index, subjects with well-balanced face, and subjects with class I occlusal relationship with near normal dental arches are included in this study. Subjects with known developmental or acquired facial abnormalities and subjects with either class II or class III occlusal relationship or with dental crowding or spacing are excluded. Both linear (horizontal and vertical) and angular measurements were taken to determine the morphologic characteristics of the maxillofacial complex. Twenty-two linear measurements and four angular measurements were performed on each subject. Results: Sexual dimorphism was seen in both the Indo-Ariyan race and the Dravidian race pertaining to the upper and lower thirds of the face. However, it was noticed that with regard to the middle third of the face, the Dravidian race had a greater vertical and horizontal dimensions than their Indo-Ariyan counterparts. The increased anterior facial height contributed to the total facial height in both the races. The Indo-Ariyans had a longer and narrower nose, while the Dravidians had a wider nose. Overall, the facial proportions of the populace belonging to the Indo-Aryan race and the Dravidian race when compared to the Caucasians were lesser. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study such as the small sample size and the pilot nature of the study, it can be concluded that the facial proportions of the Indian population belonging to the Indo-Ariyan and Dravidian races differed considerably when analyzed and compared with one another. The facial proportions of both these races also revealed significant variations in certain parameters from that of the Caucasians.