Conventional, Digital 2D and 3D CBCT Cephalogram

Abstract

The cephalogram is a radiological image used in orthodontics. Cephalometric analysis includes the interconnection of reference points which allows analyses and measurements of various planes and angles, which serve as an aid in finding the correct treatment of teeth. The standard cephalogram is recorded in two projections – LL and PA. The combination of LL and PA recordings once made up a 3D display up to the appearance of the CBCT device. Since the introduction of cephalometric analyses, numerous authors have pointed out the need for the development of new methods of analysis and measurement to correct the shortcomings of reference points, lines, and angles. The aim of this paper is to present a reliability assessment of cephalometric analysis and measurement on three types of cephalograms: conventional, digital 2D, and 3D CBCT cephalograms. Furthermore, the article presents the methodology and results of several scientific studies. The results of the reviewed studies show that all tested methods are reliable and practical for scientific research, with clinically acceptable differences between manually and digitally analyzed cephalograms. 3D CBCT shows a slightly higher degree of reliability in terms of taking measurements, but it is thought that new ways of producing more accurate measurements as well as better ways of displaying certain reference points should be devised. Finally, 2D cephalometric measurements should not be abandoned because the transition to 3D technology requires more additional research.