What is a primary use of cephalograms in orthodontics?

Cephalograms serve a significant role in orthodontics primarily for diagnosis and treatment planning. These radiographic images provide critical information regarding the relationships between the dental structures and the surrounding skeletal framework. By analyzing cephalometric measurements, orthodontists can assess the alignment of teeth, bone structure, and the overall craniofacial morphology, which are essential in developing a tailored treatment plan for patients.

In particular, cephalograms allow practitioners to visualize and quantify the angles, distances, and proportional relationships of various dental and skeletal landmarks. This information aids in identifying malocclusions and skeletal discrepancies, facilitating the selection of appropriate orthodontic appliances and techniques needed to achieve the desired teeth alignment and aesthetic outcomes.

While other options like research and development or legal documentation may involve cephalometric data in specific contexts, they do not directly pertain to the primary function of cephalograms within the clinical orthodontic setting. Additionally, teeth whitening evaluation is unrelated, as cephalograms focus on skeletal and dental structures rather than esthetics related to tooth color.