Comparison of downs method on cephalometric measurements between manual and digital cephalometric analysis using the WebCeph application

Abstract

Lateral cephalometric radiographic examination is one of the supporting examinations in orthodontic treatment whose analysis can be carried out using manual and digital cephalometric analysis techniques. The rapid evolution of computer radiography has resulted in the use of manual cephalometric analysis, which is slowly being replaced by digital cephalometric analysis. One application that can be used for digital cephalometric analysis is WebCeph, and one of the most frequently used analytical methods is the Downs method. The software's accuracy for performing cephalometric analysis needs to be evaluated so dentists can choose the appropriate software. This research to examine the accuracy of the Down method analysis using the WebCeph digital application compared to the manual application. This observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted at the Dental and Oral Hospital of UMY, using a sample of 30 good-quality lateral cephalometric radiographs with negative films and digital files. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling. Analysis was performed using the Downs method with manual and digital cephalometric analysis techniques using WebCeph. The results of the Shapiro-Wilk normality test data were normally distributed (p>0.05) for all components except the angle of convexity (p<0.05). The comparison test results with the Independent Sample T-test and the Mann-Whitney test revealed no significant differences in all components (p>0.05). Furthermore, the results of the multivariate analysis showed no significant differences in all components (p>0.05). There was no significant difference between manual and digital cephalometric analysis using the WebCeph application, so that it could be an easier and faster alternative method of analysis.