Assessment of the anterior maxilla in orthodontic patients using upper anterior occlusal radiographs and dental panoramic tomography: a comparison.

Objective: The aim of this study was to establish if dental panoramic tomographic (DPT) radiographs provide a reliable means of assessing the anterior maxilla in new orthodontic patients.

Study Design: Two hundred fifty pairs of upper anterior occlusal (UAO) and DPT radiographs were randomly selected from the records of new orthodontic patients. Ten observers each rated 50 pairs of radiographs for specific risk factors as well as for a measure of adequacy.