Patent ID: 7172339

Claim:
A receptor positioning device for taking dental bitewing radiographs of a patient's teeth, which comprises: a receptor holding member adapted to receive a receptor for exposing x-radiation from the x-ray machine; an aiming ring for assisting in positioning the x-ray machine; an arm secured between the aiming ring and the receptor holding member, the arm including a biting surface for engaging the patient's teeth to secure the device in the patient's mouth; and a collimation plate having clips removably securing the plate to the aiming ring, a substantially flat surface for aligning with an x-ray machine, an opening in the plate surface for passage of radiation from the x-ray machine to expose a receptor in the receptor holding member, and a handle extending away from the plate for positioning the device, the collimation plate being constructed of metal having a thickness of at least 0.075 in. to reduce the passage of radiation from the x-ray machine to the patient except at the plate opening.