How does bent film typically appear on a radiograph?

Bent film typically appears on a radiograph as stretched or distorted. This happens because when the film is bent or improperly handled during positioning, processing, or during exposure, it can lead to irregularities in the image's appearance. The distortion occurs because the film is not in a flat plane when exposed, causing uneven exposure and creating artifacts.

This situation affects the quality of the radiographic image, making it difficult to accurately assess the underlying structures. It's important for dental assistants and radiographers to be aware of proper film handling techniques to avoid this common error, ensuring clear and diagnostically useful images.