Orthodontic X-ray report — specialist-written reports you can share with your doctors

Key facts

• Structured report rather than raw images only
• Covers teeth, roots, bone, jaws, airway and TMJ as relevant
• Incidental findings flagged for the right doctor
• Shareable with GP, ENT, sleep physician or dentist abroad
• Written by the specialist who knows your case

What an orthodontic radiology report contains

A structured report summarises the images systematically. For orthodontic patients it typically covers the teeth present and missing, unerupted or impacted teeth and their position, root length and shape, bone levels around the teeth, the relationship of the upper and lower jaws, and skeletal measurements from a cephalometric X-ray where relevant. For CBCT scans it may also describe the airway dimensions and nasal floor, the temporomandibular joints, the mid-palatal suture and bone thickness when expansion is planned, and any other relevant structures within the scanned area. The report is written in professional terms but explained to you in plain language during your appointment.

Why a written report matters

Raw images are of limited use to a patient, and other doctors may not have the software or time to review a full 3D scan from scratch. A written report records the findings at a specific point in time, which is useful for monitoring change, for insurance documentation, for a second opinion and for continuity if you move between countries — a common situation for Dubai residents. Dr. Moaiyad Pacha reports on each scan individually rather than outsourcing it, so the person interpreting the images is the specialist who knows your clinical picture and the questions the scan was meant to answer.

Incidental findings and who to share them with

Scans of the head and face sometimes show things outside the teeth and jaws — for example changes in the sinuses, enlarged adenoids or tonsils in children, variations in the airway, or features in the jaw joints. These are called incidental findings. Rather than ignoring them, the report flags anything that may need follow-up and suggests the appropriate professional, such as your GP, an ENT specialist, a sleep physician or your general dentist. An orthodontist does not diagnose conditions outside their field, but highlighting a finding means you can have it looked at by the right person. Most incidental findings turn out to be minor.

Sharing your report at home or abroad

You are entitled to copies of your images and report. Patients often share them with an ENT specialist when there are breathing concerns, with a sleep physician during investigation of snoring or sleep apnoea, with a dentist or implant surgeon planning other treatment, or with an orthodontist in another country if they relocate during treatment. Because Dr. Pacha practises in both London and Dubai, his reports are written in a format familiar to clinicians internationally. Ask the clinic in advance if you need the report in a particular format or need images exported for another doctor’s software.

Getting a report at Manhal Medical Center

At Manhal Medical Center in Dubai, Dr. Moaiyad Pacha — consultant orthodontist with a clinical PhD from Queen Mary University of London, M.Orth RCS (Edinburgh) and F.Orth RCS (England) — reviews and reports the X-rays and CBCT scans taken for orthodontic assessment, whether or not you go ahead with treatment. The findings are discussed with you at your consultation or follow-up, and you receive your copy. If you already have recent scans from elsewhere, bring them; they may avoid an unnecessary repeat X-ray. Contact the clinic for Dr. Pacha’s Dubai dates.

It is never too late to straighten teeth. Adult orthodontics often works alongside implants, veneers or gum treatment, and discreet appliances fit professional life.

Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-18 · Treating specialist: Dr. Moaiyad Pacha

This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. Suitability, risks and results vary between patients.