Orthognathic diagnosis using the proportionate template.

Most traditional cephalometric analyses relate various craniofacial landmarks to anterior cranial base (sella or nasion) or to Frankfort horizontal plane. Such analyses do not accurately reflect the extent of anteroposterior or vertical jaw dysplasias. In addition, traditional cephalometric analyses do not provide adequate information relative to the specific jaw at fault, that is, whether either or both are too protrusive or retropositioned. The Wits appraisal provides reliable information relative to anteroposterior relationship of the jaws to each other. The proportionate template is designed to enable jaw dysplasias to be identified on lateral cephalometric headfilms without having to rely on either anterior cranial base or Frankfort horizontal plane. Various methods of applying the template are outlined, and the advantages and its usefulness in clinical situations are described.