A dental X-ray is one of the most important tools used by our orthodontists!
X-ray machines produce a detailed image of the gums, teeth and teeth roots, which our orthodontists use to assess the health of your teeth, jawbones, and to identify problematic orthodontic conditions.
Most dental professionals advise that children receive dental check-ups with X-rays every six months to a year to ensure that their teeth are growing properly and their oral health is up to par. But at their child’s first orthodontic exam, we sometimes have parents question the safety of their child receiving another X-ray. Or that they themselves need another x-ray. Many patients ask, “How many X-rays are safe in a year?”
The truth is… dental X-rays use such a low amount of radiation that they are considered safe for patients of all ages! At Insoft and Hurst Orthodontics, our doctors use digital radiographs that use significantly less radiation than traditional radiographs to keep our patients safe.
The risks of X-rays
Do you know when you should bring your child in for their first orthodontic exam? The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children see an orthodontist by age 7! But what does that mean for your child? Are there risks associated with these X-rays?
Dental X-rays are used to see the teeth, bones, and soft tissues where common orthodontic conditions may reside. It is important to remember that age does not play a role in the “risks” associated with X-rays. Dental X-rays are considered safe because they use a considerably low amount of radiation.
When considering the safety of an X-ray, keep in mind that the risk is associated with the amount of radiation used during the exam. But it is still important to keep exposure to a minimum. Be sure to notify your orthodontist of any recent X-rays you may have had to minimize exposure. And once you start orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist will work closely with your family dentist to help monitor your oral health and if further x-rays are necessary.
How many X-rays are safe in a year?
One thing to keep in mind about X-ray safety is that it’s not the number of X-rays that put you at risk, but the intensity of each X-ray.
At your first visit, our orthodontic team will take digital panoramic and cephalometric x-rays. A panoramic x-ray can capture a 360-view of your teeth and jaws while a cephalometric scan will capture a full view of your skull and neck. This helps give our orthodontists a complete picture of your orthodontic and dental health which is needed to give you the best smile results!
What’s the real radiation dose for these orthodontic x-rays? A panoramic x-ray has a radiation dose of 0.025 mSv (millisievert) and the cephalometric x-ray has a dose of 0.0051 mSv. When you factor in that the annual amount of radiation exposure that is deemed a safe level is 1mSv, these dental x-rays have a radiation dose that is minimal and not considered dangerous to health.
The number and frequency of dental X-rays during orthodontic treatment depends on a few factors, such as:
- • Age. Children who would benefit from two-phase orthodontic treatment may need more than one x-ray during their treatment or resting periods.
- • Whether your treatment includes an orthodontic appliance. If your orthodontists are creating space for an orthodontic device to be placed (such as a TAD), further x-rays may be necessary to ensure proper placement by an oral surgeon.
- • Your orthodontic condition(s). Some orthodontic conditions such as impacted teeth call for careful observation to ensure the tooth is erupting in a safe and comfortable manner.
- • Where you are in your treatment. During the last 6 to 9 months of your treatment or at the end of your treatment, our team may take more x-rays to ensure the healthy position of your teeth roots and give your orthodontist real-time images to create a personalized retention plan to help you keep your healthy new smile!
Still have questions about dental X-rays?
With every smile our orthodontists care for, we also take into account the number and type of x-rays each patient undergoes per year and only take x-rays when necessary. With your permission, our team is happy to work with your dentist and other healthcare specialists and share your current digital x-rays to minimize your exposure.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions! We’re here to guide you through orthodontic treatment and ensure that you achieve beautiful lifelong results. If you’re looking for advice – or just want to chat about your child’s treatment – we’re here for you.
If you’re looking for a top orthodontist in St Petersburg or Seminole, we’d love to meet your family! Request a complimentary exam for you or your child today.
