Which cephalogram provides a lateral view of the skull?

A lateral cephalogram is specifically designed to provide a side view of the skull. This imaging technique captures the craniofacial anatomy in a plane that facilitates the analysis of relationships between various structures, such as the jaw, teeth, and surrounding skeletal landmarks. Clinicians use lateral cephalometric radiographs for orthodontic measurements and planning, as they allow for clear visualization of angles and distances necessary for diagnosis and treatment planning.

In contrast, the other types of cephalograms present different views:

• The frontal cephalogram provides a view from the front, which is useful for assessing features such as symmetry and alignment in the anterior aspect of the skull.

• The occipital cephalogram involves imaging the skull from the back, which can give insights into the posterior structures but misses the lateral relationships.

• The superior cephalogram focuses on a view from above, which is less relevant for lateral assessments and does not capture the critical planes needed for measuring jaw relationships.

Thus, the lateral cephalogram stands out as the correct choice for obtaining a lateral view of the skull, essential for cephalometric analysis.