2D or 3D?
A two-dimensional side view.
← All explanationsLateral cephalometric radiograph
What does a lateral cephalometric radiograph show?
A lateral cephalometric radiograph is a standardised side-view X-ray of the head. It can show relationships between jaws, teeth and skull structures for selected orthodontic planning questions. It is not a three-dimensional scan.
For training & practice ↓
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Choose a view
A side projection
Structures are represented in two dimensions. The right and left sides may overlap. Accurate head positioning helps make images comparable.
Measurements for a specific question
Reference points and angles help assess tooth inclinations and jaw relationships. One measurement does not replace examination or assessment of the entire face and bite.
Only with expected benefit
Imaging is selected for a particular question, taking existing images into account. A single cephalogram cannot reliably predict future facial growth.
Read the full explanation
A side projection
Structures are represented in two dimensions. The right and left sides may overlap. Accurate head positioning helps make images comparable.
Measurements for a specific question
Reference points and angles help assess tooth inclinations and jaw relationships. One measurement does not replace examination or assessment of the entire face and bite.
Only with expected benefit
Imaging is selected for a particular question, taking existing images into account. A single cephalogram cannot reliably predict future facial growth.
Notes on the teaching images
- Lateral teaching simulation · not a clinical image
- No measurements or growth prediction
- Image selection needs a specific clinical question
At a glance
Automatically required?
No.
Previous images?
Tell the team about relevant existing images.
Knowledge in motion
Explained in 36 seconds.
Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.
Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available as text.
Often confused
Cephalogram or CBCT?
A cephalogram is a two-dimensional side projection. CBCT produces a three-dimensional dataset and requires its own justified indication.
Quick answers
Does every brace treatment need one?
No. Need depends on the intended changes and clinical findings, not simply on the fact that braces are planned.
Is it the same as a panoramic X-ray?
No. A panoramic image provides a different overview of teeth and jaws. A cephalogram shows the head and jaw relationship from the side.
Can it calculate growth with certainty?
No. Individual images and measurements do not provide a reliable personal growth prediction.
At the practice
For the appointment
You can bring this question to your appointment:
Which planning question would this image answer that other findings cannot adequately resolve?
Discuss your individual findings and whether a referral is appropriate.
Discuss your findingsAppointment selection at DoctolibLearning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
- Cephalometry
- Measurement of defined head and jaw reference points.
- Projection
- Representation of spatial structures in an image plane.
Make the distinction
A cephalogram is a two-dimensional side projection. CBCT produces a three-dimensional dataset and requires its own justified indication.
Sources and context
Editorial research: . General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.