Which radiograph view is typically needed for a 15-year-old with severe crowding requiring orthodontic treatment?

A dental pantomograph, also known as a panoramic radiograph, is the appropriate choice for assessing a 15-year-old with severe crowding in need of orthodontic treatment. This type of radiograph provides a comprehensive view of the entire dentition, including the jaws, teeth, and surrounding structures, in a single film. It allows practitioners to evaluate tooth position, eruption status, and the spatial relationship among the teeth—critical factors when planning orthodontic interventions.

Panoramic radiographs are particularly beneficial in cases of crowding because they can reveal potential impactions, extra teeth, or other dental anomalies that might contribute to or complicate the crowding situation. They also assist in assessing the overall dental arch length and arch form, important considerations in orthodontic treatment planning.

In contrast, periapical radiographs primarily capture individual teeth and their surrounding structures and would not provide sufficient context for a comprehensive view of crowding. Lateral oblique radiographs may focus on specific regions of the jaw but do not offer a complete view of the entire dentition. Vertical bitewings are limited to showing the crowns of the upper and lower teeth, primarily for caries detection, and do not provide information about the overall alignment of the teeth or the presence