The Accuracy of Lateral Cephalogram in Representing the Anterior Maxillary Dentoalveolar Position

Background: To evaluate the dentoalveolar position and root diameters of the maxillary incisors from cone beam computed tomograms (CBCT) compared with cephalometric tracings. Methods: A total of 64 sets of initial lateral cephalograms and CBCT images were enrolled. Measurements of dentoalveolar position included bone thicknesses and heights of alveolar, cortical, and cancellous bone. Root diameter and total root-bone thickness were also evaluated. All measurements were performed on cephalograms and CBCT images of the maxillary central incisor (U1CT) and maxillary lateral incisor (U2CT). The data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni tests (p < 0.01) to compare the cephalograms, U1CT, and U2CT. Results: The cephalograms presented thicker alveolar bone (labial: 0.20–0.67 mm, palatal: 0.41–0.60 mm; p < 0.001) and cortical bone (labial: 0.20–0.67 mm, palatal: 0.41–0.52 mm; p < 0.001) as well as higher alveolar crest (labial: 0.23–0.27 mm, palatal: 0.15–0.17 mm; p < 0.001) and cortical height (labial: 0.35–0.47 mm; p = 0.051, palatal: 0.14–0.18 mm; p < 0.001) than the CBCT images on both the labial and palatal sides, whereas palatal cancellous thickness was not significantly greater (p > 0.01). The cephalograms presented a greater total root-bone thicknesses (0.80–1.08 mm; p < 0.001), whereas the cephalograms traced thinner roots than the CBCT images (0.36–0.52 mm; p < 0.01). Conclusion: Routine lateral cephalograms are not suitable for alveolar bone evaluation in orthodontic treatment due to errors in representing dentoalveolar thicknesses and heights.