The perception of attractiveness of the facial profile among people of Telangana ethnicity

Background: The success of orthodontic treatment to a significant extent is largely dependent on the patient's and lay peoples' perception. Treatment can influence the soft tissue profile of the face, which is why, it is important for orthodontists to perceive what is considered attractive and unattractive amongst locals, and further, incorporate this knowledge in their diagnosis and treatment planning for population-specific groups. Aim: To evaluate differences in perception of attractiveness of the human face (in profile view) among ethnic Telangana subjects when compared to ideal Caucasian facial profile attractiveness standards. Methods: Profile silhouettes of ethnic Telangana subjects with straight, convex and concave facial profiles were rated by 10 adult laypersons (ethnic Telangana origin) and scored from least to most attractive. Fifteen relevant soft-tissue parameters from the Ricketts, Legan-Burstone, Steiner's and Z-Merrifield analysis were then evaluated on lateral cephalometric radiographs of the highest scoring subjects (considered most attractive) and sample t test statistical analysis was done in order to investigate differences between obtained values of the 'attractive' group as compared to standard values given in these analyses. Results: Of 15 parameters compared, significant differences from standard cephalometric values were evident for- vertical lip-chin ratio, lower lip protrusion, mento-labial sulcus and Z- angle. These measurements were smaller in the evaluated population group as compared to orthodontic norms. Conclusion: People of ethnic Telangana origin considered a shorter and less prominent lower lip and chin and a shallower mento-labial sulcus to be more attractive, as compared to standard orthodontic cephalometric norms of Caucasian populations.