When arranged correctly, what should full mouth survey films resemble?

In a full mouth survey, the arrangement of the dental films typically resembles a smile due to the curved alignment of the dental arch. This configuration allows for a comprehensive view of all teeth in both the upper and lower jaws, capturing the essential details necessary for effective diagnostic evaluation in dentistry.

The films are positioned to reflect the natural contour of the dental arches, making the smile shape an apt representation. This arrangement facilitates the visualization of both anterior and posterior teeth, ensuring that the dentist can assess areas of interest, including any potential issues that may not be visible in other views.

Other shapes, while they may represent certain aspects or structures within dental radiography, do not accurately depict the intended layout of a full mouth survey. The smile shape specifically contrasts with those alternatives, as it directly correlates with the natural curvature of the dental arches, which is essential for comprehensive dental imaging.