Radiology · single question
On this panoramic radiograph, the occlusal plane curves upward at the posterior instead of downward. What is this appearance called?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Reverse smile line
- A. Cervical burnout is a radiolucent artifact at the CEJ on bitewings, unrelated to panoramic positioning.
- B. Correct. A 'reverse smile' (frown) occurs when the patient's chin is tipped too far down/Frankfort plane angled steeply — the anterior teeth appear blurred and narrowed and the occlusal plane inverts. Correct by repositioning the chin.
- C. The hyoid can superimpose on a pano but does not alter the curvature of the occlusal plane.
- D. A ghost image is a blurred, magnified, opposite-side radiopacity from a dense object; it does not invert the occlusal plane.