Baccetti method for assessing bone maturation: analysis from the perspective of science, technology, and society

Introduction: The Baccetti cervicovertebral evaluation method uses the cervical vertebrae to assess bone maturation using lateral cranial teleradiography, which is indicated for all patients attending an orthodontic consultation. This method eliminates the need for additional radiological examinations. Objective: To describe, from the perspective of science, technology, and society, the impact of the Baccetti method as a tool for orthodontic diagnosis. Methods: A bibliographic review was conducted of journals, books, theses, and original texts available at reference centers such as the Library of the Faculty of Stomatology of Havana and digitally through Google Scholar. Development: The Baccetti method is effective due to its simplicity and high correlation with other existing methods. Its use also allows for savings in resource planning, a very important aspect of economic and organizational management. Its use avoids the need for additional radiographic studies and increases the effectiveness of scientific research. Conclusions: The Baccetti method as a diagnostic tool constitutes a social practice that provides the orthodontist with knowledge, skill, and an instrument that improves the quality of patient care, makes it possible to organize resources and distribute them equitably by avoiding unnecessary radiographic studies, with the aim of integrating an individual into society without stable aesthetic and functional impairments over time.