Which film size is typically used for bitewing radiographs on adult patients?

Bitewing radiographs are specifically designed to capture the crowns of the maxillary and mandibular teeth in one image, allowing for an effective assessment of interproximal caries and the health of the supporting bone. For adult patients, size 2 film is the standard choice because it provides sufficient coverage to include the needed areas while also fitting comfortably in the mouth.

Size 2 film balances capturing the right amount of detail with the practical considerations of size and patient comfort. It allows for an optimal view of both the upper and lower teeth in the bitewing position, making it the most commonly used size in clinical practice for adults. Other sizes, such as size 1, which is smaller and typically used in children, or size 3 and size 4, which are larger and not commonly used for bitewing imaging, do not serve the same purpose effectively in adults.