Cephalometer

A cephalometer is a medical equipment used in dentistry and orthodontics to measure and analyze the structure of a patient's skull and dental system. The name of this device comes from the Greek words "cephalo" - skull and "metreo" - to measure.

The cephalometer allows you to obtain X-ray images of the head and neck in profile and linear directions, as well as measure various parameters of the dental system. Using cephalometry, dentists and orthodontists can determine the type of occlusion (piece-to-tooth contact), identify developmental anomalies of the maxillofacial area and choose the most effective treatment methods.

There are several types of cephalometers, including analog and digital. Analog cephalometers are mechanical instruments with multiple scales and rulers that allow measurements to be taken on X-ray images. Digital cephalometers, in turn, use computer technology to analyze data more accurately and quickly.

Despite the fact that a cephalometer is an indispensable tool in the work of dentists and orthodontists, its use is also associated with some risks to the patient’s health. In particular, X-rays can damage human DNA and cause cancer. Therefore, physicians must take all precautions and minimize the radiation dose when conducting cephalometric studies.

Thus, the cephalometer is an important tool for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the dental system. However, its use requires doctors to be careful and follow all safety recommendations.