In a panoramic radiograph, one half of the teeth appears smaller than the other half. What might explain this phenomenon?

When a panoramic radiograph exhibits a discrepancy in the size of the teeth between the two halves, it is likely due to the positioning of the patient's head during the imaging process. If a patient’s head is turned or twisted, it creates a geometric distortion that affects the projection of the teeth. This distortion can lead to one side appearing smaller or larger than the other when the radiograph is captured.

Proper positioning is critical for obtaining accurate and diagnostic panoramic images. Ideally, the patient’s occlusal plane should be aligned correctly, and the mid-sagittal plane should be perpendicular to the floor. Any misalignment can lead to a range of issues, including distortion of tooth size and shape.

Other options may lead to problems in imaging, but they do not specifically account for the unequal appearance of teeth sizes as observed in this scenario. Excessive radiation exposure typically results in overexposed images that lose detail rather than size discrepancies. Incorrect film placement is more likely to result in poorly captured anatomy rather than a consistent measurement difference across the image. Poor developing technique can lead to contrast and clarity issues but does not affect the relative size of teeth in the manner described.