Lateral Cephalogram

A lateral cephalogram is a standardized side-view X‑ray of the head used mainly in dentistry and orthodontics to evaluate skull, jaw and tooth relationships. It shows bone and soft-tissue outlines, enabling assessment of growth patterns, occlusion, airway space and treatment progress. Taken with a cephalostat for reproducible positioning, it aids diagnosis, orthodontic and surgical planning, and post-treatment monitoring with relatively low radiation.

OPG (orthopantomogram) is a panoramic dental X‑ray producing a single broad view of the upper and lower jaws, teeth, temporomandibular joints and surrounding bone, used for assessing tooth impaction, fractures, pathology and dental development. A lateral ceph (lateral cephalogram) is a side‑view skull radiograph showing craniofacial bones, teeth and airway, used for orthodontic diagnosis, treatment planning and growth assessment.

Position the patient upright in a cephalostat with ear rods and nasion support. Align the mid‑sagittal plane perpendicular to the film and the Frankfort horizontal plane parallel to the floor. Remove jewelry, place teeth in centric occlusion, relax lips and lower the tongue. Use appropriate exposure and collimation, keep the head immobilized during exposure, and wear a lead apron (avoid thyroid collars that obscure anatomy).

The lateral cephalometric projection is a standardized lateral skull X‑ray used primarily in orthodontics and maxillofacial assessment to evaluate cranial and facial skeletal relationships, dental occlusion, and growth patterns. It permits precise measurements of jaw positions, tooth angulation, airway dimensions and soft‑tissue profile for diagnosis, treatment planning, monitoring orthodontic or surgical changes, and assessing trauma, temporomandibular joint issues and airway obstruction.

An OPG appointment usually takes about 5–10 minutes; the actual X‑ray exposure is very quick — roughly 10–20 seconds while the machine rotates around your head. Allow extra time for positioning, instructions, and any repeat images. It’s a fast, low‑dose dental panoramic radiograph commonly completed in a single short visit. You should be able to resume normal activities immediately.

To prepare for a cephalogram: wear comfortable clothing and tie back hair; remove glasses, jewelry, dentures, hearing aids and any removable orthodontic appliances or piercings. Tell the technologist if you’re pregnant. You’ll be positioned with head supports, asked to bite a positioning device and remain still. No special diet or fasting is needed; bring previous dental X-rays if available.