Cheek Retractor
A clinical instrument used to retract the lips and cheeks away from the dental arches during clinical procedures or intraoral photography, providing an unobstructed view of the dentition.
Full Definition
Cheek retractors are routinely referenced in clinical photography protocols, consent documentation, and clinical technique articles in orthodontics. They are available in plastic or metal and in various sizes for adults and children. In orthodontic photography guidelines, the type and size of retractor used may be specified for reproducibility. Editors should note that 'cheek retractor', 'lip retractor', and 'mouth retractor' are all used in the literature; 'cheek retractor' is the most common orthodontic usage. 'Retractor' should not be spelled 'retracter', which is a non-standard variant.
Usage
Usage note: Prefer 'cheek retractor' in orthodontic documents; 'lip retractor' and 'mouth retractor' are acceptable synonyms. Correct 'retracter' to 'retractor'. Specify size (adult/child) in clinical photography protocols.
In Context
- "A cheek retractor was used to obtain the buccal-view intraoral photographs as part of the standard records set." — Clinical photography protocol
- "The editor standardised 'lip retractor' and 'cheek retractor' to the single preferred term 'cheek retractor' throughout the clinical guidelines document." — Copyediting note