Evaluation of Palatal Height Variability in Relation to Craniofacial Growth Patterns: A Comparative Study
Keywords:
Craniofacial growth, Gender differences, Horizontal growth pattern, Palatal height, Vertical growth pattern.Abstract
Background: Palatal height plays a crucial role in maintaining a balanced facial structure and achieving proper occlusion. Orthodontic treatments can influence this anatomical feature and vary across different craniofacial growth patterns. Previous studies have examined palatal dimensions in various malocclusion types, yet limited research exists on how growth patterns influence palatal height.
Objective: This study aimed to compare the palatal height between male and female subjects exhibiting horizontal, average, and vertical craniofacial growth patterns.
Materials and Methods: A total of 60 pre-treatment study models from Indian subjects (30 males and 30 females, aged 18-30) were selected. Participants were categorized into three groups based on their craniofacial growth patterns: Class I (average), Class II (horizontal), and Class III (vertical). Palatal height was measured using a digital Vernier caliper, and cephalometric analysis was performed to classify growth patterns. One-way ANOVA was used to analyze the differences between the groups.
Results: For males, the average palatal height was significantly higher in the vertical growth pattern group (20.95 mm ± 1.95), compared to the horizontal group (18.35 mm ± 1.03), with p = 0.010. In females, a similar trend was observed, with the vertical growth pattern group showing the highest mean value (19.60 mm ± 1.10) and the horizontal group showing the lowest (15.90 mm ± 1.20), with p < 0.0001. These results demonstrate significant differences in palatal height related to gender and growth pattern.
Conclusion: The study establishes that palatal height significantly varies with craniofacial growth patterns, with vertical growers exhibiting greater palatal depth compared to horizontal and average growers. Gender also influences these variations, with females showing a more pronounced difference across growth orientations. The findings highlight the importance of considering palatal morphology in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning.
