A comparison of orthodontic treatment changes as measured from study casts and cephalometric radiographs

Orthodontic treatment change was examined for 106 consecutively referred patients using serial lateral cephalometric radiographs and study cast records. The 2-D and 3-D measurement systems used to assess the changes were compared for five variables common to both sets of records. No statistical differences were found between the study cast and radiographic records for these variables. The 3-D measurement with the Reflex Metrograph showed marginally better precision in the measurement of the treatment changes examined. However, the main advantage was that it allowed a more thorough and accurate assessment of both individual incisor position and measurement error.