DSD Photo Protocol
The 6 Key DSD Photos Guide
What will you need:
- DSLR camera (smartphone photography/video is also used by some clinicians)
- Two single retractors
- One box of gloves
- Suction tip or cotton rolls as space holders (optional)
Glove box used to keep head stable and in position for Photo 1 & Photo 2
Photo 1 – Face Retracted
Retracted front view with the teeth apart – fixed head position.
- Eyes must be open
- Eyes look straight to camera lens
- Glasses to be removed- if any
- Teeth apart- have patient say “eee”
- Head straight in a fixed position
- Full face photo.
- Maintain same position for Photo 2
Photo 2 – Face Smile
Full-smile front view (Teeth Apart)
- Make sure same head position as Photo 1
- Eyes open
- Remove retractors
- Have patient say “eee” teeth apart 1-2 mm
To achieve 1-2 mm space at the front teeth for Photo 2
- Cut a piece of suction tip / cotton roll
- Place between molars- view photo
- Ask patient to close gently till you see the 1-2 mm space at the front teeth is achieved.
- We recommend – patient saying “EEE” this opens the space needed
* Pay attention to deviations of the mandibles.
Photo 3 – Profile Smile
Take the photo of the patient’s side profile with a full smile.
- Making sure we have the full side profile
- Patient must smile
Photo 4 – Profile Relaxed
Take the photo of the patient’s profile with
- lips and teeth in contact.
Photo 5 – 12 O’Clock
- The 12 o’clock is one of the most important photo
- Be sure the patient is smiling
- When smiling make sure the teeth are resting on the bottom lip.
- Be sure the insical edge can be seen.
- Be sure to take full face
2 options on how to take Photo 5
Option 1 – 12 o’clock
In a dental chair in horizontal position. Take your position behind the head of the patient (12 o’clock) and point your camera to see in the viewfinder the head of the patient from chin to forehead.
Ask the patient to smile and set the focus point on the front upper teeth surface. Before taking the shot ask the patient to look back into the lens of your camera without moving the head. Take the photo.
Option 2
Position the patient on a stool with their elbows supported on their knees. Ask the patient to hold their head in a relaxed position. Take your position in the front of the patient, and then he or she should make a full smile and raise their eyes into the direction of the lens without changing the position of their head. Take the photo.
Photo 6 - Occlusal
Occlusal view of the upper arch from the central incisors to the first premolars minimum
2 options on how to take Photo 6
Option 1
With the intraoral occlusal mirror
Option 2
With the patient sitting on a stool with their head raised up