Camper's plane: the line from nostril wing to ear
Quick facts
- Definition
- Line joining the lower border of the nostril wing to the tragus of the ear.
- Use
- Reference for orienting the head, common in dental prosthetics and in profile assessment.
- Alternative
- Frankfurt plane, which uses the lower border of the orbit and the highest point of the ear canal.
- Practical difference
- Camper's plane is easier to mark on soft tissue, while the Frankfurt plane is a bony reference.
Camper's plane is a reference line that joins the lower border of the nostril wing to the tragus of the ear. It is used to orient the position of the head in photographs, in facial measurements and, classically, in dental prosthetics, where it is used to position the occlusal plane. It is named after the Dutch anatomist Petrus Camper.
How does it compare with the Frankfurt plane?
Both are horizontal orientation planes for the head, but they use different points.
| Feature | Camper's plane | Frankfurt plane |
|---|---|---|
| Points | Nostril wing and tragus | Lower border of the orbit and ear canal |
| Type of point | Soft tissue | Bony |
| Ease of marking | High, without imaging | Requires palpation or radiography |
| Typical use | Prosthetics, clinical assessment | Cephalometry, anthropometry |
The angle between the two is small and varies between people. In a routine clinical assessment, either can serve, as long as it is used consistently at every visit.
Why does it matter in HOF?
Head position changes the appearance of the face. A head tilted slightly upward makes the chin look more projected and the nose shorter. A head tilted downward does the opposite. When the professional compares before and after, or plans the facial profile, the difference in position can be larger than the difference from the treatment.
- Standardized photography: aligning the head with the reference plane parallel to the floor reduces variation between sessions. See standard views of the face.
- Occlusal plane: Camper's plane is the classic reference for orienting the occlusal plane, which is why it comes up so often in the dialogue between HOF and dentistry.
- Smile and lip assessment: to analyze tooth exposure, the head must be in its natural position, and Camper's plane helps document it.
- Photo comparison: when showing a patient's progress, a photo with the head lower or higher can simulate or hide a change.
How to standardize in practice?
Also known as: Camper's line, ala-tragus plane.
Frequently asked questions
Are Camper's plane and the Frankfurt plane the same?
No. Both orient the position of the head, but the Frankfurt plane uses bony points (orbit and ear canal) while Camper's plane uses the nostril wing and the tragus. The planes form a small angle with each other.