Bitewing and periapical radiographic techniques are used in clinical and epidemiological studies to assess crestal alveolar bone levels. The purpose of the present study investigated relationships between these techniques by assessing alveolar crest location at the same site. Bitewing and periapical radiographs were available from posterior quadrants of 120 subjects. The distance from cemento-enamel junction to the alveolar crest (CEJ -CR) was measured for each proximal surface from the distal of the cuspid to the distal of the second molar. Data were arranged according to the proximal surface examined, and bitewing and periapical measurements were compared using paired tests. The obtained results were as follows; 1. In maxilla, a significant t ratio with a P value of 0.05 or less was reached for 78% and in mandible reached for 39%. 2. Pearson correlations were calculated 32 surfaces (89%) had values below 0.70 and so, data obtained by these techniques can not be used interchangeably on an individual or group basis. 3. In situations where the periapical measure was greater than the bitewing, it ranged up to 20.7% greater with a mean 9.8%. Where the bitewing was greater than periapical, it ranged up to 51. 9% greater, with a mean 18.2%. 4. The percentage difference was greater in maxillary posterior areas than in mandibular molar, premolar areas. A lower prevalence of significant differences was attributed to relatively more simple root and favorable radiographic conditions in mandibular molar and premolar areas. 5. The anatomical limitations imposed on periapical radiographic technique, most often result in somewhat foreshortened radiographic images. This situation would tend to be accentuated by the anatomical restrictions of the hard palate. 6. Consequently, since the significant differences frequently exist between measurements obtained from bitewing and periapical techniques, it is important to define which technique is used.