A template based on concepts of natural head position for Tabriz's adults

Template analysis is a method which consists of mean graphic face profile so that shows the discrepancies sites only by direct observation of superimposed template on the patient’s cephalogram tracing. The aim of this study was to prepare a template based on concepts of natural head position for Tabriz's adults. Methods & Materials: Sixty – two lateral cephalograms based on natural head position which were obtained from students of Tabriz dentistry faculty with normal occlusion and proportional facial profile were studied. Assuming the N point as a coordinate origin and true horizontal and vertical lines as bases of coordinate axials, length and width of 32 landmarks on hard and soft tissues were determined. Mean and SD of all landmarks were determined using SPSS analysis method. A new template was designed by tracing average profile image for males and females separately in five different sizes. The template analysis based on NHP could have both advantages of using extracranial references and utilizing a quick analyzing method. The natural head position concept and the special design for orthognathic surgery, are two particular features of this template compared with the other templates described before.