Reliability of profile photography for determining growth pattern and sagittal jaw relationship in different classes of malocclusions

Abstract

Although the importance of facial photography has been stressed in literature, there are no studies on its diagnostic potential. This study was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic merit of photography in detecting growth patterns and jaw relationships. Standardized lateral cephalograms and profile photographs were taken for 40 patients. On cephalometry, growth patterns and sagittal classifications were determined. Diagnostic photography-based measurements for detecting departures from the norm were calculated according to the gold standard (lateral cephalometry). Independent sample t-test was used for comparing mandibular plane angles with profile photography and with lateral cephalometry. The mean value of the mandibular plane angle as determined by lateral cephalometry is 30.27+4.59. The mean value of the mandibular plane angle as determined by profile photography is 31.80+4.76. There was no significant difference seen. Profile photography is equally reliable as lateral cephalometry in detecting mandibular plane angle. Profile photography can be used as a perfectly accurate measurement tool for detecting horizontal and vertical growth patterns. It is also a rather accurate method for detecting normal growth patterns, as well as both Class I and non-Class I jaw relationships. These results highlight this non-invasive and economic method as an effective diagnostic tool. There is good association between lateral cephalometry and profile photography in detecting mandibular plane angle in different skeletal groups as well.