Lateral Cephalogram from CBCT Reliable Approach for Orthodontic Diagnosis: - a Comparative Study

Aim: With the increased use of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning, validation of using radiographic images obtained from CBCT instead of multiple conventional radiographs is needed.  Hence, the present study was designed to assess the differences between cephalometric measurements taken from manual tracings (MT), digitized lateral cephalograms (DLC) and CBCT lateral cephalograms scansMethods: Conventional lateral cephalograms and CBCT scans from ten subjects from departmental archives were used to assess the three methods: manual tracings, digitized lateral cephalograms, and CBCT lateral cephalograms. Seventeen measurements were evaluated and retraced after a 7-day period. The intra examiner errors was assessed using the paired t test and Dahlberg formula. The Pearson correlation test and ANOVA test evaluated the differences between the methods.Results: Most of the measurements had intra-examiner reliability in all three methods. Measurements were significant among methods were Y-axis, U1-Apog (degree and mm), U1-NA, L1-NB (degree and mm), L1-Apog, and interincisal angle.Conclusion: All three methods proved to be reliable and reproducible with minimum error in the measurement of lateral cephalograms. The CBCT scan, advised for complex cases, can be used to generate lateral cephalogram images, which may reduce the need for multiple radiographs, thereby reducing radiation exposure and cost.