Cephalometric Norms for Chinese Individuals Based on Expert Consensus Evaluation of Lateral Cephalometric Radiographs

To establish cephalometric normative reference values based on the subjective consensus of Chinese orthodontic experts regarding the evaluation of lateral cephalometric radiographs.

This study included 120 patients in the permanent dentition stage who visited the Department of Orthodontics at Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology between 2022 and 2025. The participants were divided into two groups: an adolescent group (n = 60, aged 14.40 ± 1.70 years, 30 boys and 30 girls) and an adult group (n = 60, aged 24.33 ± 5.65 years, 30 men and 30 women). Lateral cephalometric radiographs were analysed by two PhD students and one postdoctoral researcher from the Department of Orthodontics. Through statistical analysis, cephalometric normative values were established for Tweed, Downs, Steiner and Peking University analysis methods as well as for soft tissue measurements, and comparisons were made between the two age groups.

A reference standard for cephalometric normative values was developed, reflecting the consensus of Chinese orthodontic experts in assessing profile harmony. Significant differences (P 0.05) were identified between the adolescent and adult groups in the normative values of FMA (MPA), GoGN/SN, SE and G-Sn-Pos.

Expert consensus evaluation of lateral cephalometric radiographs provides a more objective basis for identifying harmonious samples. This enables the derivation of more accurate cephalometric normative values for sagittal skeletal measurements and soft tissue parameters.