Knowledge · 16 articles
Diagnostics
Doctor-reviewed writing on diagnostics, updated for 2026.
Book with Dr. Rockson Samuel at Indira Dental Clinic, Vellore

Dr. Rockson Samuel
Indira Dental Clinic, Vellore
4.915+ years experience
intermediate · 1 min
Digital Radiography Dose Thresholds in Orthodontics
AERB and DCI both cap paediatric radiation dose. The ALARA calendar for ortho cases keeps clinics defensible and patients safe.
intermediate · 2 min
Lateral Cephalogram Checklist for Aligner Planning
The 12 cephalometric measurements that must be on the pre-treatment worksheet before any ClinCheck is finalised. Skip them and you buy a refinement round.
intermediate · 2 min
Periodontal Charting Before Aligner Start
Aligners transmit force through the periodontal ligament. A full 6-point chart with bleeding indices is not optional, it's the risk baseline.
intermediate · 2 min
Photograph Standardisation for Progress Reviews
Photo comparison between visits requires the same distance, angle, and retractor set. The 5-shot standardised series that makes progress measurable.
intermediate · 1 min
Study Model vs Digital Scan for Refinement
Physical study models still beat digital scans for occlusal analysis in select cases. The two indications where PVS is worth the mess.
intermediate · 2 min
TMJ Screening Before Orthodontic Treatment
A 3-minute TMJ screen (RDC/TMD short form) filters patients who need a splint phase before aligners. The screen protects the case and the clinician.
intermediate · 4 min
ANB & SNA Angles: Reading a Cephalometric Tracing
ANB and SNA quantify jaw relationships, the difference between a Class II skeletal case and a Class II dental case.
intermediate · 6 min
Bolton Discrepancy: Why Tooth-Size Ratios Matter for Aligners
Bolton analysis compares upper-to-lower tooth widths, mismatches predict which cases need IPR or restorative closure.
intermediate · 7 min
CBCT vs Panoramic Radiograph: When Each Is Needed
Panoramic X-rays screen; CBCT is reserved for impacted canines, root proximity concerns, and complex Class III workups.
intermediate · 6 min
ClinCheck & Digital Treatment Planning
ClinCheck is the 3D software that turns an iTero scan into a staged, tooth-by-tooth movement plan. Here is how orthodontists use it.
intermediate · 5 min
Intra-Oral Photography Protocol: The 9-Photo Records Set
The standard orthodontic records include 9 photos, 3 facial, 5 intra-oral, and a smile close-up.
intermediate · 6 min
iTero Element 5D: NIRI + 3D Scanning in One Wand
iTero Element 5D adds near-infrared imaging to the 3D scan, detecting interproximal caries without radiation.
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