Do We Really Know Where the Molar Teeth are on the Lateral Headfilm? A Recommendation for a More Precise Way to Locate the Molars on the Lateral Headfilm

Objective: The aim of this study demonstrates an improved method for determining the exact molarpositions on the lateral headfilm. Previously this position was located by visual inspection of the headfilm. Weare testing the precision of visual determination compared to using occlusogram measurements.Materials and Methods: In a sample of 34 subjects treated for Class II malocclusion, we examined thepre and post treatment headfilms and compared molar positions determined by visualization with occlusogrammeasurements.Results: Our data showed that in 15% of the cases there were no differences between the two methods,in 50% the differences were 1 mm or greater. In 10 % of the subjects this difference was between 4 and 5 mm.Conclusion: Our conventional way of determining the exact position of the posterior teeth on a lateralheadfilm is insufficient and in some case imprecise. Using occlusogram to locate molars indirectly can providea more reliable and precise technique for evaluating molar movements on the lateral headfilm. (TaiwaneseJournal of Orthodontics. 30(1): 04-11, 2018).