Application of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography-Generated Cephalograms in Children and Adolescents

Abstract

This study investigates the potential of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)-generated cephalograms as a replacement for conventional lateral cephalograms (LCs) in children and adolescents. This retrospective study included 60 individuals, equally divided into permanent and mixed dentition groups. Both groups underwent conventional LCs and CBCT scans on the same day. LCs were then derived from CBCT scans. The same examiner performed digital measurements twice, with a week’s interval, identifying landmarks and obtaining 7 angular and 5 linear measurements. In the permanent dentition group, significant differences were observed between the two imaging modalities for 6 angular and 2 linear measurements. In the mixed dentition group, significant differences were observed for 3 angular and 2 linear measurements. However, none of these differences exceeded the clinically acceptable limit of 2.0º or 2.0 mm. No significant differences in any measurement were found between the two groups (p < 0.05). CBCT-generated LCs demonstrated comparable results with good reliability in both dentition groups, suggesting their potential as suitable alternatives for children and adolescents who require CBCT for clinical purposes.