Computerized three-dimensional cephalometric template for Thai adults

Abstract

Cephalometry is essential in several fields of study. These include health science, anthropology, and forensic studies. Furthermore, cephalometric norms are essential for numerous disciplines in the health sciences, such as clinical anatomy, plastic surgery, pediatrics, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and forensic medicine. Three-dimensional (3D) cephalometric templates offer an advanced but simple method for these specialties. This study aimed to establish cephalometric norms by developing 3D templates for Thai adults, based on cephalometric landmark coordinates obtained from skull cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of individuals with normal skeletal patterns. Full-head CBCT scans of 45 individuals (20 men and 25 women) were obtained from the archive. All had a Class I molar relationship with minor crowded teeth. The scans were captured in a normal head position, and the coordinates of 21 important cephalometric landmarks were identified using Slicer 4.10.2 software. Manual affine transformation of all landmarks was used to transfer medical image coordinates (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine [DICOM] or Right-Anterior-Superior [RAS] systems) to Cartesian universal coordinates. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Bland-Altman (BA) plots were used to assess inter- and intra-examiner reliability (ICC = 0.961–1.000, BA mean errors = −0.1 mm). Important cephalometric measurements were compared to the most relevant and recent study with a sample size of 200. Most measurements showed no statistical difference (one-sample t-test, p > 0.05). Independent samples t-tests revealed that there was no statistically significant difference in the X and Y axes; however, most mean coordinates between men and women in the Z-axis coordinates were statistically significant. Consequently, 3D cephalometric templates were generated separately for adult Thai men and women using landmark coordinates. Although they are available for all disciplines at no cost through QR codes, these templates should be used with care, especially for the upper and lower incisor angulation. The application and future development of each specialty are also described here.