What is the instrument used to hold the film, PSP, or digital sensor in the proper position during exposure, also commonly known as a film-holder?

• A. Positioning Device
• B. Processing
• C. Latent Image
• D. Radiograph

Answer: (A)

Holding the receptor in the correct position during exposure is achieved with a positioning device, commonly called a film-holder. This instrument keeps the film, PSP plate, or digital sensor aligned parallel to the tooth’s long axis, stabilizes it, and often includes a bite-block or aiming component to guide the X-ray beam. Using it helps minimize image distortion, improves diagnostic quality, and reduces the need for retakes. The other terms relate to different steps or results in radiography: processing is the development or digital enhancement step, a latent image is the invisible image formed on the receptor right after exposure, and a radiograph is the final image after processing.