The Planmeca Promax captures digital x-rays and therefore the radiation to the patient is minimal. Both the panoramic and lateral Cephalometric x-rays are very helpful for treatment planning of orthodontic treatment. The Lateral Cephalometric x-ray allows us to ascertain whether the bony base of you jaws is able to support proposed teeth movements in a stable and predictable position. It also allows us to analyse soft tissues that will be affected by tooth movement – i.e. you don’t just want straight teeth – you want your face to look great too!

In growing patients – the Lateral Cephalometric x-ray also gives us fantastic information (via analysis of the cervical vertebrae) as to which growth stage a patient is in, and more importantly whether they are about to go through a growth spurt, so that we may then sequence our treatment accordingly.

We regularly use the Panoramic x-ray when diagnosing wisdom teeth positions, assessing overall bone levels throughout the whole jaw (important when analyzing gum health), looking at jaw joints, and searching for any potential pathology. We also find it very useful for our patients with severe gagging reflex, who are unable to tolerate intra-oral x-rays, as the Planmeca Promax has a special feature to take these same bitewing x-rays outside of the mouth.