What causes the anterior teeth on a pan to appear "skinny"?

When the anterior teeth appear "skinny" on a panoramic radiograph, it is often due to the positioning of the teeth in relation to the bite-block. When the teeth are positioned too far forward on the bite-block, this leads to a foreshortening effect. The panoramic machine captures the image in a curved focal trough, and if the anterior teeth are overly anterior, they become magnified differently compared to the rest of the mouth, leading to the visual distortion that makes them appear thinner than they actually are. This positioning error interrupts the ideal relationship necessary for accurate representation of the teeth on the radiograph.

Good positioning is crucial in panoramic imaging, as it helps ensure that the anatomical details of the anterior teeth maintain an accurate representation, allowing for better diagnosis and treatment planning. Adjusting the patient's position to ensure the teeth are correctly aligned in the focal trough can help avoid such distortions.