In cephalometrics, which point serves as a reference for measuring facial height?

The Menton (Me) serves as a crucial reference point in cephalometric analysis for measuring facial height. It is defined as the lowest point on the symphysis of the mandible and is particularly important because it provides a fixed landmark that can be consistently identified on lateral cephalometric radiographs.

Facial height measurements often involve the vertical distances from the Menton to other anatomical landmarks, including the Nasion and Gonion, to assess growth patterns and proportions of the face. By using Menton as a baseline, practitioners can effectively analyze and compare facial proportions, which is essential in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning.

Other landmarks, such as Sella, Infradentale, and Gonion, while also significant in cephalometric measurements, do not specifically serve the role of a reference point for facial height in the same manner that Menton does. Sella is primarily associated with cranial reference points, Infradentale relates to the lower dental arch, and Gonion is used for mandibular measurements, but none of these are utilized specifically for measuring facial height in the same way as Menton.