The orthopantomograph as an indicator of vertical jaw relations

Abstract

INTRODUCTION : Lateral cephalometry is important in the orthodontic diagnosis of jaw relationships, in treatment planning, and prediction of growth but also in the evaluation of different facial forms. Little research has evaluated the orthopantomograph for these purposes. AIM : To compare the data taken from orthopantomographs and lateral cephalograms in the investigation of vertical jaw relationships and to assess correlation between measurements. MATERIALS AND METHODS : The gonial angle, ramus height and condyle angle were measured for each patient on the two radiographs and these data compared for the three different facial growth types, dolichofacial, mesofacial and brachyfacial. RESULTS : In subjects with normal (meso-) or horizontal (brachy-) growth patterns, there were no significant differences between the mean and median values for the gonial and condyle angles, but the ramus heights showed significant differences. The data of the vertical (dolicho-) growth pattern patients recorded significant differences only between the data for the gonial angles and the ramus heights. Significant correlations were found between the gonial angles and the condyle angles for all three growth patterns, but not for ramus heights. CONCLUSION : in comparing the data from the two radiographs, the angular measurements showed high correlation and predictability whilst linear measurements showed inconsistency.