Which plane is commonly used to analyze cephalometric radiographs?

The Frankfurt horizontal plane is the standard reference plane used in cephalometric analysis of radiographs. This plane is defined by the anatomical landmarks of the external auditory meatus and the lowest point of the orbit, providing a stable, reproducible orientation for measuring and comparing craniofacial relationships.

Utilizing the Frankfurt horizontal plane as a reference allows clinicians to assess skeletal and dental relationships accurately, facilitating treatment planning and evaluation of growth patterns. This standardization is essential in cephalometric analysis because variations in head positioning can lead to inconsistencies in measurements.

Other planes, such as the mandibular plane and the occlusal plane, have their roles in specific cephalometric measurements but do not provide the same universally accepted baseline for analysis as the Frankfurt horizontal plane. The coronal plane, while relevant in three-dimensional imaging, is not typically used as a primary reference in cephalometric studies, further supporting why the Frankfurt horizontal plane is the most appropriate choice for analyzing cephalometric radiographs.