Comparative Assessement of Orthopantomogram and Lateral Cephalogram For Linear and Angular Measurement of Mandible in Skeletal Class I and Class II Cases in Hypodivergent and Hyperdivergent Growth Pattern-A Digitized Study.

BACKGROUND

Accurate assessment of mandibular morphology is crucial in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. While lateral cephalograms (Lat Ceph) are commonly used, orthopantomograms (OPG) offer advantages in eliminating superimposition. This research compares the diagnostic reliability of OPG and Lat Ceph in assessing gonial angle, ramus height, and body length in skeletal Class I and Class II malocclusions with different growth patterns.

METHODS

This retrospective research included 200 participants aged 16-25 years, divided into skeletal Class I and Class II groups, with hypodivergent and hyperdivergent subgroups. Mandibular parameters were measured using digital software (Nemoceph) from OPG and Lat Ceph. Statistical analysis was performed to compare linear and angular measurements between the two modalities.

RESULTS

Gonial angle and ramus height measurements showed no statistically significant differences between OPG and Lat Ceph across all groups. Body length measurements were significantly different for Class II hypodivergent (P = 0.01) and hyperdivergent (P = 0.02) patterns, with OPG showing shorter values. OPG provided consistent and reliable results, particularly for linear measurements, while maintaining comparable accuracy to Lat Ceph for angular parameters.

CONCLUSION

OPG emerges as a reliable alternative to Lat Ceph for assessing mandibular morphology, particularly in linear measurements, reducing superimposition errors and enhancing diagnostic accuracy.