Frontal and lateral skull teleradiography (cephalometry)
Cephalometric skull X-ray (cephalometry) in Casablanca
A cephalometric skull X-ray (skull teleradiography) is an X-ray of the head, from the side or from the front, taken with the X-ray tube at a distance to limit distortion. Orthodontists use it for cephalometry: measuring angles and distances between the jaws and teeth. It is also called a lateral teleradiograph or a cephalometric radiograph. The exam is quick, painless and uses a low dose of X-rays.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
The exam usually takes less than five minutes.
Report turnaround
Report within 24 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
Planmeca
When is this exam needed?
- Assessment before orthodontic treatment.
- Monitoring jaw growth in children or teenagers.
- Planning for jaw surgery.
- Analysis of facial asymmetry, for the frontal view.
- Check during or at the end of orthodontic treatment.
How the exam is done
The team first checks on the prescription whether the side view, the front view or both are requested. After removing jewelry, piercings, glasses and any removable appliance, you stand or sit, with your head held by two small rods at the entrance of your ears. With your teeth together in your usual bite and your lips relaxed, you stay still for a few seconds. The exam is painless.
For the side view, you look straight ahead, with your face upright. For the front view, you face the detector, with the same supports. The images appear immediately and are checked before you leave; for a child, a parent can stay nearby, following the protection instructions.
Preparation
- Bring the orthodontist's prescription specifying front view, side view or both.
- Remove any removable appliance, unless the orthodontist has asked otherwise.
- Explain to your child that they will need to bite their teeth together and stop moving during the image.
Fasting
No fasting is required.
Contrast injection
Nothing is injected.
Contraindications and precautions
- Current or possible pregnancy: please tell us before the X-ray.
- Restless child: a parent can help reassure them and keep the position.
- Jewelry, piercings and metal hair clips: to be removed, as they overlap the landmarks being measured.
- Fixed braces: they stay in place and show up on the image.
Documents to bring
- Prescription from the orthodontist or surgeon
- Previous cephalometric and panoramic X-rays
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
What is cephalometry used for?
The orthodontist marks landmarks on the side view and measures angles. These measurements help them understand any misalignment of the jaws and monitor treatment.
Why the side view, and sometimes the front view?
The side view is the one most often requested in orthodontics. The front view can complete the assessment, for example for an asymmetry; the prescription specifies what is needed.
Is it often combined with a panoramic X-ray?
Yes, the orthodontist frequently requests both. The panoramic X-ray shows the teeth, even those still inside the bone; the cephalometric X-ray shows the position of the jaws.
Does my child receive a lot of X-rays?
No, the dose is low and adapted to age. A protective shield or apron may be offered depending on the exam.
Does the cephalometric X-ray need to be repeated during treatment?
The orthodontist decides: a new image may be requested to measure progress, for example at the end of treatment.