Which planes can be assessed on an extraoral LATERAL photograph?

Correct answer: B. AP, transverse, and vertical planes

• A. Incorrect. A lateral photograph provides AP and vertical assessment but also gives transverse information about facial proportions from the lateral view.
• B. Correct. An extraoral LATERAL photograph allows assessment of all three spatial planes: ANTEROPOSTERIOR (facial profile, jaw relationships, lip position), VERTICAL (face height ratios, lip competence, chin position), and some TRANSVERSE information (facial symmetry from the lateral view). This is why the lateral photograph plus the lateral cephalometric radiograph are foundational in orthodontic records.
• C. Incorrect. A lateral photograph provides more than just AP information.
• D. Incorrect. Transverse and vertical alone misses the critical AP (profile) information that is the primary reason for taking a lateral photograph.