The Accuracy of Lateral Cephalogram in Representing the Anterior Maxillary Dentoalveolar Position

Abstract

Background: To evaluate the dentoalveolar position and root diameters of the maxillary incisors from cone beam computed tomograms (CBCT) compared with cephalometric tracings. Methods: A total of 64 sets of initial lateral cephalograms and CBCT images were enrolled. Measurements of dentoalveolar position included bone thicknesses and heights of alveolar, cortical, and cancellous bone. Root diameter and total root-bone thickness were also evaluated. All measurements were performed on cephalograms and CBCT images of the maxillary central incisor (U1CT) and maxillary lateral incisor (U2CT). The data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni tests (p p p p p = 0.051, palatal: 0.14–0.18 mm; p p > 0.01). The cephalograms presented a greater total root-bone thicknesses (0.80–1.08 mm; p p < 0.01). Conclusion: Routine lateral cephalograms are not suitable for alveolar bone evaluation in orthodontic treatment due to errors in representing dentoalveolar thicknesses and heights.

Keywords

• accuracy
• cephalometrics
• CBCT
• dentoalveolar position
• error in diagnosis