Introduction of Aesthetic Analyzer Software: Computer-aided Linear and Angular Analysis of Facial Profile Photographs

Statement of Problem: Evaluation of diagnostic records as a supplement to direct examination has an important role in treatment planning of orthodontic patients with aesthetic needs. Photogrammetry as a quantitative tool has recently attracted the attention of researchers again. The purpose of this study was to design computer software to analyze orthodontic patients’ facial profile photographic images and to estimate reliability and validity of its measurement. Profile photographic images of 20 volunteered students were taken in the natural head position with standard technique. Manual linear and angular measurements were used as a gold standard and compared with the results obtained from Aesthetic analyzer Software (designed for that purpose). Dahlberg’s method error and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was used to estimate validity, reliability and inter-examiner errors. Almost all the measurements showed a high correlation between the manual and computerized method (ICC>0.75). The maximum method errors computed from Dahlberg’s formula were 1.345 mm in linear and 3.294 degrees in angular measurements. At the highest levels, inter-examiner errors were 1.684 mm and 3.741 degrees in linear and angular measurements, respectively. Although a low budget has been allocated for the design of Aesthetic Analyzer software, its features are comparable with commercially available products. The software’s capabilities can be increased. The results of the current study indicated that the software is accurate and repeatable in photographic analysis of orthodontic patients.