A comparison between two lateral cephalometry techniques (standard and natural head position

Statement of Problem: Cephalometric findings are of high importance in making decision about orthodontic treatment plans and orthognathic surgeries. Natural head position (NHP) is considered as a useful and exact radiographic technique. The aim of the present study was to compare two techniques, namely Standard and NHP, in lateral cephalometry. In this cross- sectional study, performed in Shiraz. 138 randomly selected students {70 males. and 68 females), age ranging from (13-15). were evaluated clinically and radiographically. None of them had a history of orthodontic treatment, head and face fracture or surgical operations. Lateral cephalograms were taken in both standard and natural head position techniques, for each student. For statistical analysis, l-lest for paired samples, was done. This study showed that in anterior-posterior dimension, among angles with significant differences in two techniques, those of standard one were more reliable, whereas in vertical dimension.statistical differences showed natural technique as more useful one. Due to the fact that natural cephalometry requires more patient cooperation, more time and a higher complex technique, it is not suggested, except when different clinical and cepholomeiric findings are observed.