What Is Horizontal Angulation

Horizontal angulation refers to the positioning of the tubehead and direction of the central ray in a horizontal, or side-to-side, plane. The horizontal angulation remains the same whether you are using the paralleling or bisecting technique.

What is the importance of horizontal angulation?

The position of the dental x-ray tube head in the horizontal plane. To avoid errors in x-ray interpretation, the central ray is directed perpendicular to the curve of the dental arch and film. Correct horizontal angulation produces a radiograph with “open” contacts.

How do you fix horizontal angulation incorrectly?

ErrorCauseCorrectionOverlappingIncorrect horizontal angulationDirect x-ray through the contactsCone-cutX-ray beam not centeredCenter x-ray beam over receptor