Localization of first permanent molars in lateral cephalometric and panoramic radiographs from early mixed dentition to early permanent dentition.

Changes in position and mesiodistal angulations of maxillary and mandibular first permanent molars from early mixed dentition to early permanent dentition were measured on panoramic radiographs and compared with the values measured on lateral cephalometric radiographs. It was found that the maxillary and mandibular first permanent molars were uprighted gradually, drifted mesially and vertically, and that the changes in mesiodistal angulations were clearly on the panoramic radiographs in comparison with the cephalometric radiographs.