What causes long, distorted teeth to appear on the film?

When vertical angulation is insufficient, it results in elongated and distorted images of teeth on the radiographic film. This occurs because the X-ray beam is not directed perpendicular to the film and the teeth. Instead, if the beam is angled too shallowly, the teeth appear more elongated than they are in reality due to the geometry of the X-ray projection. The distortion impacts how the shape and size of the teeth are represented, leading to inaccuracies in the diagnosis and evaluation of dental conditions.

In contrast, excessive vertical angulation can cause foreshortening, where teeth appear shorter and more compact than their actual size. Incorrect horizontal angulation typically leads to overlapping of teeth rather than distortion. A cone-cut occurs when the X-ray beam is not properly aligned with the film, leading to an unexposed area on the radiograph, but does not specifically result in the long, distorted appearance of teeth. Understanding these principles is crucial for accurate radiographic technique and interpretation.