Which statement correctly describes paralleling technique?

Which statement correctly describes paralleling technique?

• A. It can only be used for anterior teeth.
• B. It minimizes magnification and distortion by placing the receptor parallel to the tooth and the CR perpendicular.
• C. It requires the CR to be at an oblique angle to the receptor.
• D. It cannot be used with digital receptors.

Answer: (B)

Paralleling technique relies on geometry to produce an undistorted image. By keeping the receptor parallel to the long axis of the tooth, and directing the X-ray beam so that it is perpendicular to the receptor, the image minimizes magnification and distortion. When the beam hits the receptor at right angles, there is less elongation or foreshortening of structures, so the teeth’s size and proportions are reproduced more accurately. This approach works for both anterior and posterior teeth and with digital receptors, as long as the receptor-to-tooth relationship is maintained and the central ray is perpendicular to the receptor. An oblique or angled beam would reintroduce distortion, which is why the described setup is the correct description of paralleling technique.

Paralleling technique relies on geometry to produce an undistorted image. By keeping the receptor parallel to the long axis of the tooth, and directing the X-ray beam so that it is perpendicular to the receptor, the image minimizes magnification and distortion. When the beam hits the receptor at right angles, there is less elongation or foreshortening of structures, so the teeth’s size and proportions are reproduced more accurately. This approach works for both anterior and posterior teeth and with digital receptors, as long as the receptor-to-tooth relationship is maintained and the central ray is perpendicular to the receptor. An oblique or angled beam would reintroduce distortion, which is why the described setup is the correct description of paralleling technique.