Comparison of analysis of the lateral cephalogram and analysis of lateral facial photograph

Lim, Sung Hoon; Cho, Ju Young; Choi, Gab Lim; Kim, Kwang Won

Abstract

Analysis of lateral cephalometric radiograph (cephalogram) has been used routinely to evaluate skeletal and dental relationships, but analysis of the lateral facial photograph has not been used frequently for evaluation of skeletal relationships. As concerns about harm of X-ray irradiation increases, this study was planned to evaluate the possibility of substituting analysis of the lateral cephalogram with analysis of the lateral facial photograph by comparing these two analyses. According to the ANB values from cephalometric analysis, subjects were divided into three groups: Class I malocclusion group (n = 32). Class II malocclusion group (n = 32), and Class III malocclusion group (n = 31). After measurements of angles indicating horizontal and vertical relationships of the maxilla and mandible on the lateral cephalograms and photographs, differences between Class I, II and III groups were evaluated. To evaluate the similarity between two similar values in the cephalograms and photographs, t-test using standardized variable Z and correlation analysis were performed in the Class I malocclusion group. The results showed that 1) SnN'Pg' on the photograph can be used to evaluate the antero-posterior relationship of the maxilla and mandible (ANB), 2) N'-Sn/Sn-Pg' on the photograph can be used to evaluate facial convexity (NA/APg), 3) Sn-Tra-Me' on the photograph can be used as a measurement similar to FMA. In conclusion, partly substituting lateral cephalogram analysis with lateral facial photograph analysis was possible in the evaluation of the maxilla and mandible.