Should we use a 6 th intraoral photograph to better record the mandibular arch?

The use of photography has been incorporated into orthodontic practices since the early days of the specialty. Despite the absence of a universal standard, the most commonly used intraoral images are the following 5 photographic shots (frontal, buccal right and left, and maxillary and mandibular occlusal views). Interestingly, these intraoral photographs do not include the evaluation of the mandibular arch with the same detail as the maxillary arch. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to discuss the inclusion of another photograph in the series of five intraoral photographs, based on the arguments presented here. The incorporation of a frontal intraoral photograph taken with a semi-open mouth does not generate additional time or financial cost to orthodontists, but it enriches the photographic records, adding valuable information from the mandibular arch, such as the anatomy and leveling of the incisors, the real depth of the Curve of Spee, and the torque of the posterior teeth.