Assessment of the correlation between cephalometric and facial analysis

Abstract

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation between angular and linear measurements obtained from cephalometric and facial analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients with indication for orthodontic treatment were selected. Then a trained examiner assessed in lateral cephalographs the following linear measurements proposed by McNamara: Co-A; Co-Gn; A-NPerp; Pog-NPerp; maxillary-mandibular discrepancy. Moreover, angular nasolabial angle, N-A, A-Pog, and Frankfurt Mandibular Angle (FMA) were computed. Likewise, the corresponding facial measurements in lateral photographs were measured, as follows: Co'-A'; Co'-Gn'; A'-NPerp'; Pog'- NPerp'; Maxillary-mandibular discrepancy; nasolabial angle; N-A-Pog; FMA. RESULTS: Pearson’s correlation test was applied to the results. All measurements were compared separately with their corresponding facial and cephalometric measurements. Results: The assessed linear measurements showed no statistical correlation. The nasolabial angle measurement showed a significant correlation, while FMA and NA-Pog measurements showed a low correlation. CONCLUSION: According to the methodology applied, the results of linear, facial and cephalometric measurements showed no correlation. Of the angular measurements, only the nasolabial showed a significant correlation.