Photometry: is it as reliable as soft tissue cephalometry?

Background: In orthodontics, the understanding of soft tissues of the face in relation to the underlying dentoskeletal tissues is an essential guide in aesthetic treatment plan. deleterious effects of radiation exposure from dental radiographs and inaccuracies in cephalometric soft tissue measurements has raised a need for an alternative method of facial analysis. Photogrammetry is the evaluation of an object by means of a photograph, is an inexpensive and non-invasive method of quantifying facial esthetics. Objectives: this study compares photometric and the cephalometric methodsto determine the soft tissue measurements, the to assess the reliability of photogrammetric facial analysis. Statistical Analysis: The data obtained were tabulated and was subjected to Kolmogorov-Smirnov Normality test, parametric test (paired t test)and Karl Pearson’s correlation coefficient method. Results:In general, the study had shown statistically significant values on correlation of manual cephelometric and photometric methods. It can be said that the photometric analysis with AUTOCAD software is as reliable as the conventional cephalometric method and that the minimal variations are attributed by the operator’s reproducibility of the landmarks and calibration of image the circle constructed in the software. Conclusions: Photogrammetric analysis with AUTOCAD software can be a good adjunct in diagnosis and treatment planning of orthodontic cases by giving more importance to aesthetic concerns. Photogrammetry can be used along with lateral cephalograms. But still cannot replace cephalometry entirely.