Which function is NOT performed by a dental mirror during an examination?

• A. Diagnosis of caries
• B. Indirect vision
• C. Retraction of lips and cheeks
• D. Improved illumination

Answer: (A)

The mirror’s job is to help you see areas you can’t view directly, keep the soft tissues out of the way, and make surfaces easier to illuminate. Indirect vision is achieved by reflecting images of teeth that are otherwise hidden from view. It also helps you retract lips and cheeks, widening the working field. By directing light onto the tooth surfaces, the mirror improves illumination so you can inspect contours and surfaces more clearly.

Diagnosing caries, however, isn’t something the mirror does by itself. Detecting caries relies on clues from the appearance of the enamel, sometimes radiographs, and often tactile probing to assess softness or catch hidden lesions. The mirror simply aids visibility and lighting; the actual diagnosis comes from combining these signs with other diagnostic tools and methods.