Appropriate use of ionizing radiation in orthodontic practice and research

Ionizing radiation revolutionized medicine and dentistry in the past century. It has well-documented benefits in orthodontics, and these benefits outweigh the risks. Three-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography produces images that contain significantly more information than do traditional radiographs but generally exposes patients to more radiation. A group of pediatric radiologists initiated the Image Gently Campaign to raise awareness of the need to adjust the radiation dose when imaging children. The key principles of this campaign are justification, optimization, and dose limits. Orthodontists should adhere to the directive to keep radiation "as low as reasonably achievable." Prescribing radiographic imaging is specific to each orthodontic patient and requires judicious clinical judgment to maximize the benefits and minimize the harm.