American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Practice Exam 2025 - Free Orthodontics Practice Questions and Study Guide

The first cephalometric analysis developed by Downs was introduced in 1948. This year is significant in orthodontics as Downs' analysis laid the groundwork for future developments in cephalometrics, which plays a crucial role in diagnosing and planning orthodontic treatments.

Cephalometric analysis involves the use of lateral cephalometric radiographs to assess the skeletal and dental relationships of the face and skull. Downs' work established key reference points and measurements that have since been essential for orthodontic evaluation, allowing practitioners to analyze facial structures systematically. As a pioneering work, it helped standardize cephalometric procedures and has influenced countless orthodontic studies and practices thereafter.

Understanding the timeline of developments in orthodontics, especially the foundational contributions like those from Downs, is vital for both historical context and clinical practice.