Quality of bitewing radiographs in children in relation to the type of film holder used.

AIM

To assess the frequency of use with young uncooperative children of the bitewing radiograph film holders: KWIK-BITE, Snap-a-ray, and a Sticky tape, and to compare the quality of bitewing radiographs achieved with these types of film holders.

STUDY DESIGN

This retrospective study assessed 298 pairs of bitewing radiographs of children aged 3-14 years. The radiographs were evaluated according to age, type of behavioural management approach used, extent and degree of overlapping surfaces, visibility of the alveolar bone, and the presence of folds, cone-cut and elongated teeth.

RESULTS

Snap-a-ray was used more frequently in younger children (p < 0.001), less cooperative children (p < 0.001), and in those who were treated under sedation (p < 0.001). The KWIK-BITE holder was used more frequently in older children (p < 0.001), cooperative children (p = 0.001), and in those under general anaesthesia (p < 0.001). About 76.5 % of the radiographs contained technical errors. The degree of overlapping surfaces in radiographs was not correlated with the type of film holder used, but rather with the degree of children's cooperation.

CONCLUSIONS

The Snap-a-ray film holder was used more frequently in young uncooperative children; nevertheless, its use was not associated with an increased frequency or degree of overlapping surfaces.