A Comparison of Three-Dimensional and Two-Dimensional Cephalometric Evaluations of Children with Cleft Lip and Palate

OBJECTIVES The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the consistency of orthodontic measurement performed on cephalometric films and 3D CT images of cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients. METHODS The study was conducted with 2D radiographs and 3D CT images of 9 boys and 6 girls aged 7-12 with CLP. 3D reconstructions were performed using MIMICS software. RESULTS Frontal analysis found statistical differences for all parameters except occlusal plane tilt (OcP-tilt) and McNamara analysis found statistical differences in 2D and 3D measurements for all parameters except ANS-Me and Co-Gn; Steiner analysis found statistical differences for all parameters except SND, SNB and Max1-SN. Intra-group variability in measurements was also very low for all parameters for both 2D and 3D images. CONCLUSIONS Study results indicate significant differences between measurements taken from 2D and 3D images in patients with cleft lip and palate.