How many x-ray have to be taken during orthodontic treatment?

2 x-rays prior to tx: Orthodontists usually take a panoramic x-ray and a lateral ceph x-ray.

Orthodontia: Usually a panoramic and cephalometric x-ray to start treatment. Both while in treatment and both at the end of treatment for a total of 6. There may need to be more depending on what is being done.

During?: If you really meant during treatment, i usually do not take any as a matter of course. If treatment is longer than expected or if things take a turn for the worse i take images as needed. If you meant for ortho how many: if young, 2 @ start and 2 @ finish: they are panoramic and cephalometric images, & very important. If an adult, i add access to or take a full mouth set of detailed ones as well.

We take 5: For proper diagnosis and treatment a minimum of 5 radiographs are taken for a typical orthodontic case. Initially we take panoramic and cephalometric radiographs for diagnosis. I take a mid treatment panoramic to check roots. At the end of treatment a panoramic and cephalometric to document the finished case.

Maybe 4-5: Diagnostic radiographs for orthodontics typically include a panoramic and "cephalometric" lateral head film before treatment. Occasionally, a progress radiograph during treatment is required. Then final films are often taken at the completion of care. If there are other specific issues that require other types of radiographs that can be explored with your orthodontist.

Diagnostic: Only as many as are required to give the appropriate diagnostic information. Today's x-rays are safe and effective, and orthodontists take only those fils absolutely necessary to give them the information needed to achieve for you the best and safest treatment. If you have concerns, discuss them with your orthodontist, but know that radiation exposure is minimal.

During or to start?: I recommend the following: cephalometric xray, panoramic x-ray, anerior pa's (6), and bitwings (4). During treatment, i usually recommend a progress panoramic xray 12 months into treatment. Following treatment, i recommend the same set as when treatment began. In some instances, anterior pa x-rays are needed for progress if there is concern of root resporption.

Typically 2: A panao and a ceph. And like the other doc said, as most x-rays are digital now, the amount of radiation is order of magnitude less than they used to be-- more like equal to a couple fo hours in the sun-- very, very, very small.

Depends: While still the minority, more and more orthodontists are implementing cone-beam ct technology. These machines produce 3-d images in a single scan. In that case, three scans are typical: pre, mid, and post treatment. A popular machine is the i-cat. These images provide an orthodontist with every conceivable view he/she would ever need.