A Comparison of Orthodontic Landmark Reliability and Validity Between Lateral Cephalograms and Hemifacial Lateral Cephalograms Among Orthodontists

University of Minnesota M.S. thesis.November 2018. Major: Dentistry. Advisor: Brent Larson. 1 computer file (PDF); vi, 42 pages.Lateral cephalometric analysis has been an integral component of orthodontic treatment planning. This study explored a novel approach of hemifacial lateral cephalometric landmark analysis comparing reliability and validity to traditional lateral cephalometric landmark analysis derived from three-dimensional radiographs among experienced orthodontists in symmetric patients. The results showed excellent intraexaminer and interexaminer reliability for both methods, however hemifacial lateral cephalometric analysis proved to be an invalid assessment when compared to traditional lateral cephalometric analysis for multiple orthodontic landmarks assessed. Due to the excellent reliability for both methods and poor overall validity of hemifacial lateral cephalometric analysis for multiple landmarks compared to traditional lateral cephalometric analysis, as well as other limitations, it’s use as a supplemental diagnostic tool in symmetric patients by experienced orthodontists cannot be supported