Profile Analysis with QuickCeph 2000

QuickCeph 2000 is a state-of-the-art computer imaging program that enables Dr. Wasson to measure key landmarks on a lateral head X-ray to diagnose problems of tooth and jaw relationships. This important information has a great bearing on determining the best type of treatment for each individual. For instance, a common problem we see is a short lower jaw which makes the normal upper teeth appear to protrude. Without this information, it might lead to moving back the upper teeth rather than using a growth appliance to move the lower jaw forward. This would result in a less than ideal result. Here is an example of a headfilm analysis showing just such a condition.

To better visualize how the jaw structure and teeth influence the shape of the face, QuickCeph can show the X-ray tracing on the profile photo. This image can then be changed by Dr. Wasson to show his treatment objective. These projected changes are a combination of a sophisticated computer program that can predict average growth based on age and gender, as well as reflecting treatment changes Dr. Wasson feels are possible based on his years of experience. This allows him to try various treatment plans to see which might have the best result. This information is invaluable in helping the patient understand the proposed treatment, but it is always emphasized that the treatment projections are not a guarantee of results because of the many unpredictible variables. Having said that, we do sometimes get remarkably close when comparing our projection to actual results after treatment.

On the left is the same patient shown in the X-ray. The middle photo is the treatment projection, and the superimposed tracings on the right show the proposed growth and treatment changes for the first phase of treatment.

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The fun part comes in after the progress records are made so we can compare actual results with our projection. You can see on the superimposed tracings on the right that the progress results in blue are almost identical to the projection in green. More important, the profile change was ideal giving our patient an even more beautiful face. Now we can’t always get this close, but even if we miss our projection a little, the facial improvement should be significant with the correct treatment plan and a little help from QuickCeph.

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Just to show you that the previous example wasn’t a fluke, here are three more that were also close to the projected result. All four of these cases were treated with orthopedic growth appliances to maximize the patient’s growth potential. A short second phase of treatment with braces was done after progress records to finish tooth alignment. This two-phase approach resulted in a more ideal profile than just moving the teeth back with braces alone.

Using the QuickCeph program is a great benefit to our patients. It enables us to select the most appropriate method of treatment and to motivate better patient cooperation by clearly illustrating treatment goals.

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