An exaggerated smile on a panoramic radiograph is often due to what positioning error?

An exaggerated smile on a panoramic radiograph is typically a result of the chin being tipped too far down. When the chin is positioned too low, the occlusal plane appears excessively upturned, creating the illusion of a more pronounced curvature to the smile line. This type of positioning error alters the representation of the teeth and jaw relationship on the radiograph, exaggerating features such as the curvature of the maxillary arch.

In panoramic imaging, maintaining the correct positioning is crucial for achieving an accurate representation of the dental structures and the relationship between them. Proper alignment ensures that anatomical landmarks are displayed accurately, enhancing the diagnostic capability of the radiograph. When the chin is positioned correctly, the occlusal plane should appear even, resulting in a natural appearance of the smile in the radiographic image.