Analysis of Facial Phenotype Based on Facial Index Classification Using Cone-beam Computer Tomography in the Saudi Population

Aim: To provide normative values of facial height, width, and facial index, and determine the distribution of facial phenotypes among adults in Saudi Arabia. Methods: The sample comprised 261 cone-beam computer tomographic images, examined using vision iCAT software. The facial height and width were measured linearly, from which the facial index was calculated. Facial phenotype was determined based on the facial index classification and the samples were grouped accordingly. Results: The mean facial height was 118.94mm (SD= +7.73), facial width was 129.27mm (SD = +6.64), and facial index was 92.09mm (SD= +5.50). Males show statistically higher means of the variables, (facial height: t=9.66, p=0.001), facial width: t=7.05, p=0.001), and facial index (t=3.25, p=0.021). All five facial phenotypes were observed, distributed as 6 hypereuryprosopic, 18 euryprosopic, 81 mesoprosopic, 96 leptoprosopic, and 60 hyperleptoprosopic. The majority (38% and 29%) of the males in the samples were categorized as leptoprosopic and hyperleptoprosopic, respectively. Of the 96 females, only three were observed to be hypereuryprosopic. Mesoprosopic and leptoprosopic made up 38%, and 34% of the females whereas hyperleptoprosopic and euryprosopic each made up 13%. Persons’ gender was found to influence the facial phenotype among the sample. Conclusion: Leptoprosopic was the most common facial phenotype in the samples, whereas the least type was hypereuryprosopic. For males, leptoprosopic was the most common while mesoprosopic was the most common for females. Our study's data may be used as a guide for facial analysis, which will be helpful for forensic investigations, orthodontics and reconstructive surgery, and anthropological studies. KEY WORDS: Bizygomatic width, Cone-beam Computer Tomography Facial index, facial phenotypes, Prosopic classification.