The open-mouth Waters method is a type of which radiographic projection?

The open-mouth Waters method is a type of which radiographic projection?

• A. Lateral projection
• B. AP axial projection
• C. Parietoacanthial projection
• D. Basilar projection

Answer: (C)

The open-mouth Waters method is a parietoacanthial projection. In this view, the CR enters the skull through the parietal region and exits at the acanthion, projecting the facial bones and sinuses. Opening the mouth alters the palatal plane so the sphenoid sinus can be visualized and helps separate the maxillary teeth from the palate, which is the signature goal of this projection. The other projections correspond to different orientations (side view, skull-base angles, etc.) and do not use the parietoacanthial alignment.

The open-mouth Waters method is a parietoacanthial projection. In this view, the CR enters the skull through the parietal region and exits at the acanthion, projecting the facial bones and sinuses. Opening the mouth alters the palatal plane so the sphenoid sinus can be visualized and helps separate the maxillary teeth from the palate, which is the signature goal of this projection. The other projections correspond to different orientations (side view, skull-base angles, etc.) and do not use the parietoacanthial alignment.