ABSTRACT

In this research, it was aimed to evaluate the reliability of “Vistadent Image Management System (VIMS)” computer program in the usage of two year short-term growth prediction for various skeletal malocclusions, comparatively. In this study, 104 lateral cephalometric radiographs of 52 patients, 28 were males and 24 were females, were used. Selection of the patients was made according to the following criteria: (1) No orthodontic treatment had been applied to the patients within a two year period. (2) The second lateral cephalometric radiographs were captured almost 2 years after the first lateral cephalometric for the same patient. Also, three groups were formed according to the skeletal pattern: Class I group included 19 patients, Class II group 17 patients and Class III group 16 patients. Reliability of the computerized growth prediction program with and without skeletal classification was determined in 24 parameters. Prediction accuracy was 58% in total 24 measurements related to skeletal, dental and soft tissue, when evaluating the reliability of computerized growth prediction regardless of skeletal classification. On the other hand when evaluating the reliability of computerized growth prediction by taking into accounts the skeletal classification, the prediction accuracy was 79% for Class I, 75% for Class II and 75% for Class III cases in 24 parameters. It is essential for skeletal classification to be taken into consideration in case of using “VIMS” growth prediction utility.