A Side View That Guides Orthodontic Planning
A cephalometric X-ray is a special side-view image of your child's head. It shows how the teeth, jaws, and facial profile relate to one another, which is something no regular dental image can capture in quite the same way.
This image plays a key role in orthodontic planning here in Reunion, CO. When Dr. Dafne Ellis, DMD, MS is evaluating your child for braces or clear aligners, the cephalometric view helps the orthodontic team understand how your child's smile is growing and how treatment could guide it.
Why Orthodontists Rely on This Image
Straightening teeth is not only about where teeth sit today. It is about how the jaws are growing, where adult teeth are headed, and how the bite fits together. A cephalometric X-ray gives the orthodontic team the full relationship between all of these moving parts.
For your child, the process is just as easy as other imaging. They stand still for a few seconds while the image is captured from the side, and that is it. The image then becomes part of a thoughtful plan you will review together with the orthodontic team.
- Side-view image of teeth, jaws, and profile
- Supports braces and clear aligner planning
- Quick and quiet process for children
- Captured in just a few seconds
- Reviewed with you as part of the plan
How This Image Fits the Orthodontic Evaluation
A cephalometric X-ray is not a stand-alone diagnosis. It is one record among the conversation, clinical exam, photographs, and any other images the orthodontic team believes are useful. Together, those pieces show how the teeth and jaws relate and help the team discuss possible braces or clear aligner paths.
Parents can ask what the image is intended to show, what decisions it may inform, and whether other records are needed. We explain the reason for each recommended image in plain language. That helps your family understand the plan before treatment begins and gives your child a calmer, more predictable consultation.
If braces, clear aligners, or monitoring are discussed, the next step depends on your child's development and orthodontic needs. Our Reunion team will review the options with you rather than promising a particular appliance or timeline before the evaluation is complete.
What Your Child Can Expect
Get positioned
Your child stands comfortably at the imaging unit while we help them settle into place.
A few still seconds
The side-view image is captured quickly, and your child only needs to stay still for a moment.
Plan together
The image joins the rest of your child’s records, and we use it to walk you through orthodontic options.