An overview of computerized cephalometrics

It is realized that clinicians, students, and the scientific community are herein asked to accept a great deal in the selection of points and the values of different parameters. However, after several years of manual methods, work with the computer has produced an outpouring of new knowledge. Seasoning and experience with computer techniques have caused information to be accumulated much more quickly.³¹ The computer acts as a catalyst because, with its use, methods are tested rapidly and completely. As we have seen, even that which is new sometimes becomes obsolete before it reaches publication. Knowledge in these technologic times often develops in spurts as break-throughs are experienced. In recent years we have witnessed numerous genuine breakthroughs which have been sought for decades. It is beyond reason, especially now, to expect information to remain static. The time has come for reporting and communication, and the present effort therefore is made in that interest. The rationale of a computerized cephalometric service has been discussed. It involved an introductory type of presentation dealing first with the necessity for sophisticated cephalometrics in contemporary orthodontics. It was suggested that the accumulated knowledge of morphology and growth has made it appropriate that computers be applied. Particularly the current trend toward early treatment has made it necessary for corrections to be made in the values for biologic factors in order for the most reliable interpretation to be rendered from conventional cephalometrics. It was shown that the areas for anatomic diagnostic concern were organized into families of interest, so that the mind of the clinician could handle the data. It was suggested that trustworthy service organizations would be the best vehicles for application of the wedding of these technologic advances, inasmuch as the orthodontist could accomplish this himself only with extreme difficulty. Applications of the program were suggested for the benefit of the orthodontist and his patients. These include its use in treatment planning, case presentation, and public relations, the monitoring of results, and its application in research. Finally, the scientific basis and a new lexicon of terms were discussed. It appears now that an evolution is under way in clinical practice and research. There is much that is new to be considered. The individual orthodontist must learn to accept the fact of rapid change as new knowledge continues to come forth from all sources at a rapid pace. The orthodontist must psychologically prepare himself to discard old beliefs while at the same time maintaining sound principles for use as steppingstones to greater progress. The price of learning is high, but the sense of mastery of the subject and the realization of accomplishment in a chosen profession can be measured only in personal gratification for a job well done for oneself and one's fellow man.