
64
J Gandhara Med Dent Sci
23
parameters showed low consistency. These ndings
align with the ndings of Khattri’s study,
comparing Web Ceph with V15.0 FACAD Manual
tracing, suggesting that fully automated versions are
not yet ready to replace semi-automated computer-
aided methods and reinforcing the importance of semi-
automated versions.
24
In our study, a comparison
between Manual tracing and Carestream (CS) software
measurements revealed that the mean values of only
IMP A, UL-E line, and LL-E line showed
a clinically signicant dierence despite manual
correction of the landmarks in the CS software. It can
be attributed to mathematical or directional errors, as
CS software does not indicate to the operator whether
the values are positive (+ive) or negative (-ive), which
can aect Interpretation. Some adjustments were
needed for Nasion, point A, point B, the Sella point,
and the incisal edge to improve accuracy. Ioannis A.
Tsolakis et al. compared a digital manual method
using (Dolphin 3D Imaging program version
11.0) with automated, CS imaging V8 software and
reported an excellent intra-class reliability (>0.97) and a
strong agreement between the two approaches, showing
statistically signicant dierences in the mean values,
FMA, L1-MP , ANS-PNS/GoGn, and U1-L1 (p <
0.0027) were observed,
15
that are consistent with the
findings of our study. Similar to the results of our study,
many other studies have reported signicant With the
introduction of cephalometric analysis by Broadbent in
the 1930s, orthodontists have gained a valuable
diagnostic tool to quantitatively provide information,
evaluate skeletal and dental relationships, determine
growth and developmental abnormalities, and assess
orthodontic treatment and its outcomes.
1,2,3
For decades,
traditional manual cephalometric analysis has been
considered the gold standard. However, this method has
been reported to be laborious, time-consuming, and
prone to measurement and calculation errors.
4
Recently,
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the dental
field and has been adopted over the years for automated
cephalometric identication and analysis. With the
advent of digital technology, a variety of tools and
software have emerged, reported to provide greater
accuracy and eciency. The literature suggests that
these digital systems oer several advantages,
including reduced subjectivity-related errors. Time
consumption, facilitating faster data analysis and
acquisition, image storage, and sharing, as well as
streamlining the formulation of treatment plans.
5,6,7
AI-
driven cephalometric tracing system uses a deep
convolutional neural network (CNN) for automatic
landmark detection. For tracing soft tissue prole, the
software utilizes classical image processing,
specifically mathematical morphology. This integration
of AI-driven algorithms and traditional image
processing enhances the accuracy, speed, and
consistency of cephalometric analyses.
8,9,10
Today, a
wide range of software options is available, ranging
from computer-assisted applications like Dolphin
imaging and Viewbox to fully automated or semi-
automated AI-powered solutions such as CephX®,
CEFBOT, Web Ceph, and Carestream software, among
others.
11,12
These tools are transforming clinical
workflows by reducing human error, saving time, and
enhancing diagnostic consistency. Web-Ceph is a web-
based, fully automated, and capable of performing nine
dierent cephalometric analyses and interpretations. It
can store, maintain, and archive patients' cephalograms,
photographs, and orthopantomograms. Additionally, it
includes advanced features, such as visual treatment
simulation and superimposition, which are helpful in
day-to-day orthodontic practice.
13,14
Carestream, a
dental company, has also shown keen interest in
developing automatic cephalometric landmark
identification and tracking, which is widely used in
clinical practice. Nowadays, companies oer advanced
cephalometric imaging software that can fully trace any
cephalometric radiograph taken with a Carestream
cephalostat.
15,16,17
Orthodontists must locate
cephalometric landmarks for the eective diagnostic
outcome precisely.
18
Numerous papers have been
published in recent years to evaluate the accuracy of
these AI- based software programs compared to the
traditional manual and digital methods. Niwat et al.
identified that 76% of cephalometric measurements
performed automatically by the dental imaging software
(Carestream Dental, Version 6.14) showed stat istically
significant dierences compared to the manual
method.19 Conversely, a study by Pamir et al
concluded that CephX® (a web-based cephalometric
software) was as accurate as the Ceph-Ninja 3.51 app
(app-aided and Dolphin Imaging 13.01 computerized
method after manual correction of the landmarks), and
it also provided shorter analysis time.20 Tsolakis et al
also found fully automated cephalometric analysis by
CS imaging (Care Stream Version 8 ) to be as reliable
and accurate as the manually traced Dolphin 3D
Imaging program (version 11.0). While slight
dierences were observed in a few measurements
(FMA, L1-MP , ANS-PNS/Go-Gn, and U1-L1), they
were not considered clinically signicant.15 Similarly,
Ravi Kumar et al also suggested Web -Ceph (a fully
automated program) to be reasonably accurate, reliable,
and valid as compared to manual tracing of
cephalometric measurements.
21
To the best of our
knowledge, no published articles have been found
comparing the reliability and accuracy of articial
intelligence (AI)-based cephalometric analysis
programs with the manual tracing method within
Pakistan. Therefore, our study aimed to evaluate and
Comparison of Accuracy and Reliability of Cephalometric
January - March 2026