Comparative Analysis Of Soft Tissue Changes Evaluated Via Cephalogram Versus CBCT: An Original Research

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of the present research was to assess the comparison of various soft tissue changes through cephalogram and through Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT).

Methodology: 2D lateral cephalograms were generated from the initial and final cone beam computed tomography scans (CBCT) of 18 patients and superimposed. Both 3D CBCT and 2D CBCT generated lateral cephalograms were oriented to the Frankfort horizontal plane and superimposed according to the American Board of Orthodontics recommendations. Changes in landmark position were quantified from the resulting superimposition outcomes via linear measurements made with Dolphin software. Differences between the two methods were analyzed using paired t-tests. Measurements were repeated twice for 10 randomly selected scans to assess reliability by intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis.

Results: Intra-examiner reliability was high for all measurements (ICC > 0.84). Agreement between 2D and 3D superimposition outcomes, as measured by P-values, was low for ANS (P = 0.026), B-point (P < 0.001), ST Upper lip (P = 0.019), U1 tip (P = 0.010), and U1 apex (P = 0.026). 2D measurements were significantly higher than 3D measurements for ANS, B-point, ST Upper lip, U1 tip, and U1 apex.

Conclusion: Findings indicated that both methods of superimposition (2D and 3D) are highly reliable. Statistical differences between 2D and 3D superimposition outcomes were below the threshold of clinical significance.