Study on the reproducibility of the Frankfort horizontal plane based on CBCT 3D reconstruction and comparative analysis with lateral radiographs - Report - DentalSpire

Evaluation of the Consistency of the Frankfort Horizontal Plane Using 3D Reconstruction from CBCT and Comparison with Lateral Cephalometric Radiographs

  • By

  • Zhiwen Li

  • Liuli Jin

  • Xueyang Zhang

  • Pan Jiang

  • Yuan Lin

  • Qun Yang

  • July 16, 2026

Share

Evaluation of the Consistency of the Frankfort Horizontal Plane Using 3D Reconstruction

Overview

This study investigates the reproducibility of the Frankfort horizontal plane (FHP) established using CBCT-based 3D reconstruction compared to traditional lateral cephalometric radiographs.

Background

The Frankfort horizontal plane (FHP) is crucial in craniofacial analysis and treatment planning, particularly in orthognathic surgery and orthodontics. Traditional methods for establishing the FHP using 2D radiographs are limited by projection errors and subjective landmark identification.

Data Highlights

MethodReproducibility Errors
CBCT 3D ReconstructionGood reproducibility
Lateral Cephalometric RadiographsLarger reproducibility errors (p < 0.05)

Key Findings

  • CBCT 3D reconstruction shows good reproducibility for establishing the FHP.
  • Lateral cephalometric measurements have larger reproducibility errors compared to CBCT (p < 0.05).
  • Two experienced orthodontists independently identified landmarks with consistent results.
  • Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) indicated high agreement in landmark identification.
  • Bland–Altman analysis confirmed the differences in reproducibility errors between the two methods.

Clinical Implications

The findings indicate that CBCT-based 3D reconstruction provides a reliable framework for diagnosing and planning treatment for patients with facial deformities.

Conclusion

CBCT-based three-dimensional reconstruction provides a high level of reproducibility for the Frankfort horizontal plane.

Related Resources & Content

  1. American Dental Association and American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, PubMed, 2026 -- Clinical recommendations for dental radiography and cone-beam computed tomography
  2. Accuracy of conventional versus cone-beam CT-synthesised lateral cephalograms for cephalometric analysis: A systematic review, PubMed, 2024 -- Systematic review on diagnostic accuracy
  3. Frontiers, 2026 -- Study on the reproducibility of the Frankfort horizontal plane based on CBCT 3D reconstruction
  4. Precision of Jaw Computer-Aided Design Models Generated from Ultra-Low MDCT Doses Utilizing ASIR and MBIR Techniques
  5. Feasibility Assessment of Dental Root Reconstruction for Implant Placement Planning
  6. Utilizing Flat Panel Technology for Computer-Assisted Comparative Analysis of Ankle Joints on Opposite Sides
  7. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy — Association between patellar alignment and lower limb rotation in radiographic assessments: a study utilizing 3D simulation techniques
  8. American Dental Association and American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology patient selection for dental radiography and cone-beam computed tomography: Clinical recommendations - PubMed
  9. https://aaoms.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ortho_criteria.pdf
  10. Accuracy of conventional versus cone-beam CT-synthesised lateral cephalograms for cephalometric analysis: A systematic review - PubMed
  11. Frontiers | Study on the reproducibility of the Frankfort horizontal plane based on CBCT 3D reconstruction and comparative analysis with lateral radiographs
  12. Accuracy of anterior cranial base surfaces acquired from computed tomography imaging | Scientific Reports
  13. Comparing the Frankfort Horizontal and Adjusted Natural Head Position as Upper Facial Horizontal Reference Planes using Computer Aided Surgical Simulation for Orthognathic Surgery - ScienceDirect
  14. Full article: Comparison of CAD/CAM and conventional surgical splints in accuracy of orthognathic surgical planning – a systematic review and meta-analysis

Original Source(s)

Study on the reproducibility of the Frankfort horizontal plane based on CBCT 3D reconstruction and comparative analysis with lateral radiographs

  • by Zhiwen Li, Liuli Jin, Xueyang Zhang, Pan Jiang, Yuan Lin, Qun Yang

  • July 16, 2026

Related Content

Successful Aligner Therapy Meets Array of Treatment Objectives, Improves Occlusion and Function

Medical Oddities: Disney, But Make It Clinical

From princess pathology to ICU dental cases—this lineup escalates quickly.

Restorative Management of Constriction and Spacing Following Arch Expansion