Background: Facial indices are used for facial proportions analysis. So far, studies have investigated only a few indices or a narrow age range. Studies comparing direct anthropometry and photoanthropometry for facial analysis are contradictory.
Aim: The aim of this study was to analyse the dynamics of facial indices from 10 to 20 years of age and to determine the indices which were consistent between direct anthropometry and photoanthropometry.
Subjects and methods: Faces of 1376 participants were measured directly and photographed in the frontal plane. Craniofacial landmarks were identified, facial parameters were measured, 34 facial indices were calculated. Their dynamics and sexual differences were analysed.
Results: Interpupillary distance relative to morphological facial height gradually decreased while facial index increased. Zygomandibular index remained stable. Nasal index for boys varied the most. Nasal width relative to facial heights remained stable. Interpupillary distance in relation to morphological facial height and labial fissure width showed the best consistency between the two methods.
Conclusion: Eyes became relatively smaller. Faces grew vertically relatively more than horizontally. The nose became wider at a similar rate as the face grew vertically. Indices containing vertical measurements, eye parameters and labial fissure width coincided the most between the two methods.
Keywords: Anthropometry; facial indices; photoanthropometry.