Which imaging technique produces extraoral skull images and is commonly used in orthodontics?

• A. Cephalometric radiography
• B. Panoramic radiography
• C. Lateral skull radiography
• D. Tomography

Answer: (A)

Cephalometric radiography is used to obtain standardized extraoral images of the skull that are essential for orthodontic assessment. The most common form is the lateral cephalogram, which provides a side view of the craniofacial skeleton and soft tissues. This image allows precise measurements of the relationships between the jaws and the cranium (for example, positions of the maxilla and mandible relative to the cranial base) and helps track growth and treatment effects over time. The data from cephalometric radiographs—angles and distances—guide planning for tooth movement and overall facial harmony.

Panoramic radiography captures a wide view of the jaws and teeth, not the cranial relationships used for skeletal analysis. Tomography produces sectional images rather than a full skull baseline, and lateral skull radiographs are typically considered within the cephalometric imaging set used specifically for orthodontic assessment.