Comparison between conventional and cone-beam computed tomography-generated cephalograms

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is becoming established as an alternative and, in many aspects, superior radiographic technique to conventional radiography in orthodontics. However, cephalometric analysis is still an important tool in relation to treatment planning because 3-dimensional analyses are still not established. The aim of this study was to compare cephalometric measurements performed on conventional cephalograms with those on CBCT-synthesized images. Methods: Three observers digitized landmarks used for the Bjork analysis on conventional lateral cephalograms and on 2 sets of CBCT-synthesized cephalograms (MIP and RayCast) from 34 patients. Results: The calculated measurements did not differ between the 3 image techniques. The RayCast technique proved to be more reproducible than the MIP. Conclusions: CBCT-synthesized cephalograms can successfully replace conventional headfilms. (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2008; 134: 798-802)