Correlation Between Cephalometric and Photographic Results of Determining the Lower Anterior Facial Height

Background: Today, the most commonly used instrument for determining the inferior face height is lateral cephalometry; however,due to the fact that some lateral cephalometric radiographs are given to the patient while taking radiation, and with regard tothe overlaps and distortions of structures in this radiograph.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to study the inferior height of the face based on the one-third of the face in photographyand then compare its correlation with the results of cephalometry.Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was carried out with photographic and lateral cephalometric radiographs of ۷۵ randomlyselected participants (۳۸ women and ۳۷ men) from among patients consulting the orthodontic clinics in Bandar Abbas in۲۰۱۲ - ۲۰۱۳. All participants had all their permanent teeth (without third molar involvement). Patients signed an informed consentform for participation. There was no history of head and face trauma, orthognathic surgery, previous orthodontic treatment, andcongenital anomalies. The anterior height of the face was evaluated based on the one-third of the face on photography according tothe results of FMA (Frankfort-mandibular plane angle), Sn-GoGN, Bjork, and Jarabak, and the correlations of these values with eachother were determined. Data were analyzed by SPSS software using chi-square test, kappa coefficient, and Pearson coefficient.Results: No significant correlation was found between the photographic and cephalometric data of face height (r = -۰.۰۳, P > ۰.۰۵).There was a significant inverse correlation between the results of FMA and Jarabak index (r = -۰.۶, P < ۰.۰۵). There were significantdirect relationships between the results of FMA and those of Bjork (r = ۰.۸, P < ۰.۰۵) and Sn-GoGn (r = ۰.۷, P < ۰.۰۵). There was nostatistically significant relationship between the facial formandclass Iand II skeletal occlusions (P> ۰.۰۵). There wasnomeaningfulrelationship between the results of FMA angle and facial form in class ۱ and ۲ occlusion subjects (P > ۰.۰۵). However, this associationwas found stronger in class I than in class II occlusion.Conclusions: There is no meaningful correlation between photographic and cephalometric measurements of facial height, and wealways need lateral cephalometrics for the correct orthodontic treatment plan and as a golden standard. Cephalometric variablesare correlated with each other for determining the vertical growth pattern, and each can be used for diagnosis alternatively.

Keywords:

Cephalometry , Photography , Orthodontics