The basic reference is a mean facial shape calculated using a sample of West European individuals’ facial shape (very close to the Bolton standard face). It is a harmonious, aesthetic and functional profile which is used as the starting point of any calculation run to determine adaptations for facial type and growth.

This reference may be amended in order to harmonize with ethnic characteristics of the patient or as per personal recommendations of the orthodontist.

Calculation of any particular basic references is simple with the GLS superimposition method. A reference for a population is the mean shape of a sample drawn randomly from this population.

APS, a shape analysis software available free of charge on Procuste website : http://www.procuste.com allows you to calculate this mean shape (consensus).