Tips & Tricks for Patient positioning in the best possible way
High quality images with sharp contrast and good detail provide optimum diagnostic information. Images with less quality are usually the result of one or more common problems.
Problem 1: Incisors and canines narrow and unsharp. Overshadow in molar and premolar areas. Rows of teeth are compressed.
Possible cause
- Occlusal correction of focal trough set too far posterior
- Image layer laser light not obeyed
- Bite block was not used
Remedy
- Check patient positioning with laser light lines and occlusion correction buttons
- Check patient positioning with laser light lines and occlusion correction buttons
- Insert bite block
Problem 2: Incisors and canines wide and unsharp. Rows of teeth widened.
Possible cause
- Occlusal correction of focal trough set too far anterior
- Image layer laser light not obeyed
- Bite block was not used
Remedy
- Check patient positioning with laser light lines and occlusion correction buttons
- Check patient positioning with laser light lines and occlusion correction buttons
- Insert bite block
Problem 3: Teeth appear wider on one side and narrower on the opposite. Ramus widths are different on opposite sides.
Possible cause
- Midsagittal line not obeyed
- Patient's head not in center position
Remedy
- Check patient's mid sagittal plane with laser light line
- Check that patient's head is centered, and that the head support side clamps where closed to keep the head straight.
Problem 4: The shadow of hard palate is exposed over maxillary molars. Row of teeth has a wavy appearance. TM joints are exposed outward. Image is not "smiling". Mandible is imaged sharper than maxilla.
Possible cause
Patient head tilted back
Remedy
Check FH plane
Problem 5: Rows of teeth curved upwards. Mandibular incisors are unsharp. TMJ joints exposed high and are often cut off from the image. Image is "smiling" too much.
Possible cause
Patient head tilted forward
Remedy
Check FH plane
Further tips and tricks for patient positioning in the best possible way will you find here.