The Ultimate Guide to Intraoral Photo Mirror Sizes

Which Mirror Shape Do You Need and When?

In dental photography, image quality matters. Whether you’re capturing case documentation, progress tracking, or before-and-after aesthetics, the right intraoral mirror is essential for precise, distortion-free images.

At ILLUCO, we engineered our Intraoral Double-Sided Dental Photo Mirrors to deliver unmatched clarity and reflectivity. Each mirror features an advanced full-surface dielectric coating with 99% reflectivity, providing brighter, sharper images than standard mirrors that typically reflect only 60–70%. Combined with durable, autoclavable construction and protective silicone sleeves, these mirrors are built for performance, longevity, and comfort

Why Mirror Size and Shape Matter

Different mirror sizes are used for different areas of the mouth. Using the correct shape ensures that you:

• Capture the full arch or quadrant clearly
• Avoid distortion and cropping
• Reduce patient discomfort during photography
• Improve efficiency and consistency in imaging

ILLUCO offers a full range of shapes and sizes to meet every imaging need:

Occlusal Mirrors: Full-Arch Photography

The occlusal mirror is used to capture the upper or lower arch from an overhead view. It reflects the biting surface (occlusal plane) and is commonly used in orthodontics, full-mouth restorative cases, and aesthetic dentistry.

Available Sizes:

• Occlusal – Large: Best for full-arch photography on adult patients.
• Occlusal – Medium: Ideal for teens or smaller arches.
• Occlusal – Small: Designed for pediatric patients or tight arch spaces.
  
  

Best use cases:

• Upper or lower arch images
• Progress tracking for orthodontic patients
• Before-and-after documentation of full-mouth treatments

Buccal Mirrors: Side View Imaging

The buccal mirror is used to photograph the teeth from the left or right side, making it essential for capturing mid-treatment progress in both ortho and cosmetic cases.

Available Size:

• Buccal – Medium

Best use cases:

• Side profile images of anterior or posterior teeth
• Comparing before-and-after lateral results
• Diagnostic evaluations of arch symmetry

Lingual Mirrors: Interior Arch Imaging

The lingual mirror captures the arch from the back (tongue side), showing anatomical detail that is otherwise difficult to photograph.

Available Size:

• Lingual – Medium
  

Best use cases:

• Lingual arch evaluations
• Orthodontic progress for lingual bracket cases
• Capturing lingual calculus/tartar for hygiene documentation

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Why Professionals Choose ILLUCO Photo Mirrors

These mirrors aren’t just tools; they’re an investment in better documentation, improved communication, and elevated patient trust.

 

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Final Thoughts

Choosing the right mirror size ensures comfort for the patient and consistency in your photography. When paired with ILLUCO’s superior reflective technology and durable construction, the result is professional-grade imaging that enhances diagnostics, case acceptance, and treatment outcomes.