Documentation
Manual cephalometric tracing is time-consuming, and proprietary orthodontic software can be prohibitively expensive. That’s why we’ve developed the Dental Orb Steiner Analysis Tool—a free, browser-based solution that allows you to perform a full Steiner analysis in minutes, directly from your laptop or tablet.
Whether you are a dental student, an orthodontist, or a researcher, this guide will walk you through exactly how to use our tool to generate accurate diagnostic reports.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, ensure you have a clear, digital image of your patient’s Lateral Cephalogram (in JPG or PNG format).
- Tip: If the X-ray has a ruler or a 10mm reference scale visible on the film, your linear measurements (mm) will be much more accurate.
Phase 1: Uploading and Calibration
1. Load Your Image
At the top left of the toolbar, you will see a file input area. Click “Choose File” (or the file icon on mobile) and select the lateral cephalogram from your device.
- The image will automatically load into the main black workspace.
- Use your mouse wheel (or two fingers on mobile) to Zoom in and out.
- Click and drag to Pan the image.
2. Calibrate the Scale (Crucial Step!)
For the software to measure millimeters correctly (e.g., U1 to NA in mm), it needs to know the scale of your image.
- Click the 📏 Calibrate button in the toolbar.
- Locate a ruler or a known distance on your X-ray.
- Tap the Start point of the ruler (e.g., the 0mm mark).
- Tap the End point of the ruler (specifically the 10mm mark).
- The system will confirm: “Saved! (10mm = [X]px)”.
- Note: If you skip this, angular measurements (degrees) will still work, but linear measurements (mm) will be inaccurate.
Phase 2: Running the Analysis
Once calibrated, the “Rx Analyze” button will become active. Click it to begin the landmark plotting process.
The tool will ask you to plot specific anatomical points in a specific order. Look at the Status Box (top of the sidebar on desktop, or overlay on mobile) to see which point to click next.
The Plotting Sequence
You will need to identify and click these 16 points in order:
- S (Sella): Center of the sella turcica.
- N (Nasion): Frontonasal suture.
- Point A: Deepest point on the premaxillary outline.
- Point B: Deepest point on the mandibular symphysis outline.
- Pog (Pogonion): Most anterior point of the bony chin.
- Gn (Gnathion): Most inferior-anterior point of the chin.
- Go (Gonion): Point at the angle of the mandible.
- U1 Incisal Edge: Tip of the upper central incisor.
- U1 Root Apex: Root tip of the upper central incisor.
- U6 Distobuccal: Distobuccal cusp of the upper first molar (for Occlusal Plane).
- L1 Incisal Edge: Tip of the lower central incisor.
- L1 Root Apex: Root tip of the lower central incisor.
- Pronasale: Tip of the nose (Soft tissue).
- Soft Pogonion: Most anterior point of the soft tissue chin.
- Upper Lip: Most anterior point of the upper lip.
- Lower Lip: Most anterior point of the lower lip.
Made a mistake? Simply click the “↩ Undo” button in the toolbar to remove the last point placed and try again.
Phase 3: Interpreting the Report
As soon as you plot the final point (Lower Lip), the tool instantly calculates the geometry and generates the Steiner Report in the sidebar.
Understanding the Data Tables
The report is divided into four sections:
- Skeletal Foundation: (SNA, SNB, ANB, SN-MP)
- Dental Relations: (Incisor inclinations and protrusions)
- Harmony: (L1 to A-Pog)
- Soft Tissue: (The S-Line analysis)
Color Coding:
- Green Values: The measurement is within the normal range.
- Red Values: The measurement deviates significantly from the norm, suggesting a skeletal or dental discrepancy.
The Interpretation Column
The tool automatically interprets the numbers for you.
- Example: If ANB is > 4°, the Interpretation column will read “Class II”.
- Example: If SN-MP is > 36°, it will indicate “Hyperdivergent” (High angle case).
Phase 4: Exporting and Printing
Once you are satisfied with the analysis:
- Review the Tracing: You will see your plotted points and the lines connecting them overlaid on the X-ray.
- Print: Click the Print button inside the report header.
- Smart Printing: The tool is optimized for printing. It will strip away the toolbars, ads, and background colors, giving you a clean white sheet containing the analysis table and the image for your patient records.
Additional Features
- 🖊️ Pen Mode: Before or after analysis, you can toggle the “Pen” button to freehand draw on the X-ray. This is useful for outlining the condyles, the airway, or making visual notes for patient education.
- Not for mobiles: This tool is not present on iPads and Android tablets or mobile phones.
Disclaimer: This tool is intended for educational and auxiliary diagnostic purposes only. Final treatment planning should always be verified by a licensed clinician.
With over a decade of experience in dentistry, I specialize in diagnosing a wide range of oral diseases and have developed a deep passion for dental imaging. My interest in CBCT reporting and digital implantology led me to become a pioneer in the concept of diagnostic 3D modelling. Throughout my career, I have supported and educated numerous dentists in mastering CBCT interpretation, virtual implant planning, and the latest advancements in 3D printing for dental applications. Read more about me on the “about me” page.
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