Window and level (W/L): image contrast
The Window (Window Width, WW) and Level (Window Center, WC) control which range of CBCT densities maps to the visible gray on screen. Getting W/L right is the difference between seeing a sharp root and seeing a blurry stain.
NotaWindow Width (WW): width of the Hounsfield range mapped to the grayscale. Small WW = more contrast, less information visible. Large WW = more information, less contrast.
Window Center (WC): midpoint of the range. Raising it shows denser tissues; lowering it, softer ones.
Window Center (WC): midpoint of the range. Raising it shows denser tissues; lowering it, softer ones.
How to adjust W/L
- 1Click + drag with Shift: over any viewport, hold Shift, left-click and drag. Horizontal changes WW, vertical changes WC.
- 2Dedicated sliders: activate the “Brightness” tool (sun icon) on the top bar. A panel appears with two precise sliders.
- 3Presets: click one of the buttons (Bone / Tissue / Implant / Root) to apply standard values instantly.
Built-in presets
| Preset | When to use |
|---|---|
| Bone | Cortical evaluation, fractures, bone geometry |
| Tissue | Maxillary sinuses, soft tissue, mucosa |
| Implant | Differentiate metal from bone, evaluate contact |
| Root | Endodontics, root canals, periapical area |
TipAutomatic sync: when you change W/L on one view (axial, sagittal, coronal), the other two sync in real time. It also propagates to panoramic and oblique views if they are open.
Tricks for difficult cases
Heavy metal artifact (crown, implant). Apply the Implant preset and then manually raise WW so the metal does not “burn” the whole image.
Subtle periapical lesion. Start with the Root preset. If it does not stand out, lower WC by 200-300 points to enhance contrast in the low-density area.
Compare maxilla and mandible regions. Use the Bone preset and fine-tune with Shift+drag — bone density varies between maxilla and mandible.