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A lateral ceph X-ray is a side-on picture of your skull, jaws and facial profile. Orthodontists use it to plan braces and track jaw growth.
Also called: Lateral ceph, Cephalometric X-ray, Ceph X-ray, Orthodontic X-ray, Side skull X-ray
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79 clinics offer bulk billing for dental X-ray — eligibility varies
Where to get a lateral ceph X-ray
79 clinics across Melbourne and Victoria on Radly offer dental X-ray.
Clinics for a lateral ceph X-ray on Radly
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What is a lateral ceph X-ray?
A lateral cephalometric X-ray shows your skull, upper and lower jaws, teeth and soft tissue profile from the side. Your orthodontist traces landmarks on the image to measure how your jaws and teeth relate to each other.
You stand with your head held steady by small ear rods so the image is taken at a standard angle, and bite your back teeth together. The exposure takes a few seconds. It is often taken at the same visit as an OPG.
Repeat ceph X-rays during treatment let your orthodontist compare measurements over time. The ceph doesn't show individual teeth in detail, which is why it is usually paired with an OPG.
Why your doctor might request a lateral ceph X-ray
- Planning braces or clear aligner treatment
- Assessing an overbite, underbite or jaw imbalance
- Monitoring jaw growth in children and teenagers
- Planning jaw (orthognathic) surgery
- Checking progress or results at the end of treatment
Lateral ceph X-ray: preparation, referral & Medicare
Preparing for your lateral ceph X-ray
- No special preparation is needed.
- Remove earrings, glasses, hair clips and removable plates.
- Tie long hair back so it doesn't cover the face profile.
- Tell the radiographer if you are or might be pregnant.
How long it takes: About 10 minutes, or 15 minutes with an OPG
Referral, Medicare & bulk billing
Lateral ceph X-rays are usually requested by orthodontists or dentists. Medicare generally doesn't cover dental X-rays, so billing varies between clinics, and some health funds contribute under extras cover. The clinic confirms billing when it confirms your booking request.
How it works
Get your referral
Most scans need a referral from your GP, specialist, or other health practitioner.
Compare clinics
Find clinics near you for your lateral ceph X-ray and compare bulk billing, reviews, and location.
Send your request
Share your preferred timing and send the clinic your details and referral when available.
Clinic confirms
The clinic reviews your request and confirms your appointment and any preparation needed.
If the clinic hasn’t acknowledged your request after 24 hours, Radly will follow up. We check in by SMS during daytime hours where SMS is available and you haven’t opted out. Reply N if you haven’t been contacted and our team will follow up. Acknowledgment does not mean an appointment is booked.
Lateral ceph X-ray FAQs
Why does my orthodontist want a ceph and an OPG?
The OPG shows all the teeth and roots, while the ceph shows how the jaws and face line up. Together they guide treatment.
Is a lateral ceph X-ray safe for children?
Yes. It uses a low radiation dose and is routine in orthodontic assessment for children and teenagers.
Do I need to bring anything?
Bring your orthodontist's referral. Results are usually sent straight to the orthodontist.
How do I book a lateral ceph X-ray online?
Choose a clinic on Radly, select Dental X-Ray as your scan, add your preferred timing and attach your referral, then send your booking request. The clinic contacts you to confirm the appointment and any preparation.
How soon can I get a lateral ceph X-ray?
Appointments for dental X-ray are walk-in or same day at most clinics, depending on the clinic and the exam. You can send a request on Radly at any time, and the clinic replies with its next available time.
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