Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the reproducibility of artificial intelligence (AI) in identifying cephalometric landmarks, comparing its performance with manual tracing by an experienced orthodontist. Methods: A high-quality lateral cephalogram of a 26-year-old female patient, meeting strict inclusion criteria, was selected. Eighteen cephalometric landmarks were identified using the WebCeph software (version 1500) in three experimental settings: AI tracing without image modification (AInocut), AI tracing with image modification (AI-cut), and manual tracing by an orthodontic expert. Each evaluator repeated the procedure 10 times on the same image. X and Y coordinates were recorded, and reproducibility was assessed using the coefficient of variation (CV) and centroid distance analysis. Statistical comparisons were performed using one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: AInocut achieved the highest reproducibility, showing the lowest mean CV values. Both AI methods demonstrated greater consistency than manual tracing, particularly for landmarks such as Menton (Me) and Pogonion (Pog). Gonion (Go) showed the highest variability across all groups. Significant differences were found for the Posterior Nasal Spine (PNS) point (p = 0.001), where AI outperformed manual tracing. Variability was generally higher along the X-axis than the Y-axis. Conclusions: AI demonstrated superior reproducibility in cephalometric landmark identification compared to manual tracing by an experienced operator. While certain points showed high consistency, others—particularly PNS and Go—remained challenging. These findings support AI as a reliable adjunct in digital cephalometry, although the use of a single radiograph limits generalizability. Broader, multi-image studies are needed to confirm clinical applicability.
This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of clear aligner therapy (CAT) in leveling the curve of Spee (CoS) in adult patients with permanent dentition. The clinical relevance of CoS correction lies in its impact on overbite reduction, occlusal function, and overall treatment outcomes. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across five electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science), supplemented by grey literature. Eligible studies were retrospective clinical investigations assessing changes in CoS with CAT. Two reviewers independently performed data extraction and risk of bias assessment using the ROBINS-I tool, while the quality of evidence was graded using the GRADE approach. Seven retrospective studies met the inclusion criteria. All reported a reduction in CoS depth after CAT, ranging from 0.01 mm to 2.2 mm. Anterior intrusion was achieved to a limited extent, while posterior extrusion was inconsistent and often poorly expressed. Overbite reduction was observed in some studies, but none provided data on long-term stability. The predictability of CoS correction varied widely from 35% to 72%. All studies were judged to have a serious risk of bias, and the certainty of evidence was rated as low to very low. CAT appears capable of reducing CoS depth with outcomes comparable to fixed appliances; however, vertical control, especially posterior extrusion, remains unpredictable. In clinical practice, aligners may be considered for mild to moderate CoS correction, provided limitations are acknowledged. Further high-quality prospective trials with standardized protocols and long-term follow-up are required to strengthen the evidence base.
Background/Objectives: Accurate assessment of biological maturation is essential in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics for optimizing treatment timing. Quantitative methods proposed by Cameriere allow continuous estimation of residual skeletal and dental growth; however, the degree of agreement between these maturation processes remains unclear. This study aimed to assess residual skeletal and dental growth in children using quantitative Cameriere methods and to evaluate the agreement between these two maturation indicators. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 98 Caucasian subjects (50 males and 48 females) aged 7.0–11.9 years. Residual skeletal growth was assessed on lateral cephalometric radiographs using the fourth cervical vertebra ratio (C4-Vba), while residual dental growth was evaluated on panoramic radiographs using the open apices method. Measurements were performed using the AgEstimation Project software v1.0. Intra- and inter-observer reproducibility were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Correlation analysis and Bland–Altman analysis were performed to evaluate the association and agreement between skeletal and dental maturation. Results: Excellent reproducibility was observed for all measurements, with ICC values ranging from 0.93 to 1.00. Residual skeletal growth time (T_skeletal) and residual dental growth time (T_dental) showed a weak positive association (Spearman ρ = 0.18, p = 0.09). Discrepancies exceeding the predefined 1-year threshold between skeletal and dental maturation (|ΔT| > 1 year) were observed in 48.0% of subjects. Skeletal predominance was identified in 46.9% of cases, whereas dental predominance was observed in only 1.0%. Females showed significantly greater residual skeletal and dental growth compared with males (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Skeletal and dental maturation showed limited agreement in children aged 7–11 years, supporting the concept that these processes follow partially independent biological pathways. The integration of quantitative skeletal and dental assessments may improve the evaluation of individual growth potential and support more personalized orthodontic treatment planning.