1. Study models; properly-trimmed, dental stone-cast moulds.
2. Radiographs; usually a Panoramic view (OPG) and a Lateral Cephalometric view.
3. Clinical photographs.
to the orthodontist to aid him/her in diagnosing and determining the best possible treatment plan for each particular case. The emphasis has long been on taking the first two (study models and X-rays), while the third (clinical photographs) was often seen as a luxury; an
unnecessary waste of the clinician’s time, by many orthodontists!
The Benefits of taking Clinical PhotographsTimes have certainly changed. Now, with more and more emphasis from the orthodontic community on the achievement of balanced facial harmony and smile esthetics for our patients, in addition to the traditional orthodontic goals of a well-aligned and functional dentition, the need for proper clinical photographic records of the orthodontic patient has become more obvious and essential for proper treatment-planning and follow-up.
Clinical photographs allow the orthodontist to carefully study the existing patient's soft-tissue patterns during the treatment planning stage. We can assess lip morphology and tonicity, the smile arc and smile esthetics from various angles. We can also assess the degree of incisal show upon smiling. Thus, they allow us to study the patient in a so called “social” setting, and all that without the patient ever being present. Such information greatly aids the orthodontist in formulating the best possible treatment plan for each patient, and for monitoring in subsequent follow-ups.
Obviously, there has always purposes of research and been the need for photographic records for publication, and for lecturing and teaching
presentations. Also, the growing importance of the need for such records for medico-legal reasons cannot be over-emphasized.
Why Go DIGITAL?
Going for a digital camera is THE obvious choice in this digital age. One of the major reasons is the ease of use of such cameras, along with the ability to repeat / delete unsuitable images on the spot. There is no need to wait till the film is developed to check your photos. Any problems
can be easily rectified immediately. Another important advantage is the “Running
Cost” issue. Digital camera setups are cost-effective; no more buying film, no more developing costs and hassles, and no more worries about where to store all the slides and “physical” photographs of your patients. All you need is a onetime investment in a suitable digital camera setup, a generous memory card, and a reasonable-size computer and hard disk.
The last advantage to mention is the ability to enhance, or “post-process” your images. Even if some images are still not suitably aligned, rotated, or the color, brightness or saturation etc. Is not up to standard, it is very easy to adjust those using a suitable image-editing software on your computer, before saving the images in the patients’ file.