These are the usual, routine radiographs taken in dentistry. One bitewing is taken for each side of the mouth to assess the posterior teeth. They are usually carried out in a horizontal position, but the film can also be placed vertically. 

There are two main clinical reasons for taking bitewings:

• Caries assessment – bitewings are instrumental in identifying caries that is not clinically visible e.g. interproximal caries or recurrent caries
• Bone level assessment – bitewings will also allow us to identify bone levels and early bone loss