Palatal dimensions at different stages of dentition in 5 to 18-year-old Iranian children and adolescent with normal occlusion

BACKGROUND: This study was purposed to evaluate palatal width, height, and height index at various stages of dentition in Iranian children and adolescent with normal occlusion. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on a random sample of 237 children (45% male and 55% female, aged 5–18 years) with normal occlusion selected from kindergartens and elementary and high schools in Hamadan, Iran. The subjects were clinically examined and classified based on dentition to primary (21.5%), mixed (21.9%), and permanent (56.5%) stages. Dental casts were obtained from all subjects. Palatal width (inter-molar and -canine distances), and height (at molar and canine areas) were measured on the casts by Korkhaus’ compass and digital caliper. Palatal height index was calculated for each dentition stage. Data were analyzed by SPSS 15 using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test and t- test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Palatal inter-molar and -canine width values were increased from primary to permanent dentition. Palatal height and palatal height index in mixed dentition were significantly lower than those in primary and permanent dentition. Palatal width at inter-molar and -canine distances was significantly higher in males than females. There was no significant difference in palatal height and palatal height index at molar area between males and females. However, palatal height and palatal height index at canine area were significantly higher in males compared to females. CONCLUSION: These findings showed that palatal width increased from primary to permanent stage. Palatal height and palatal height index decrease from primary to mixed dentation, then increase from mixed to permanent dentition.