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Updated: Aug 21, 2026

Finite Element Analysis Model for Assessing Expansion Patterns from Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion
Published on: October 20, 2023
Is torus palatinus a feature of a well-developed maxilla?
Leyla Berna Cagirankaya1, Ozden Kansu, Müjgan Güngör Hatipoglu
1Department of Oral Diagnosis and Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey. lbartvinli@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Torus palatinus (TP) is an exostosis of the hard palate. The biologic significance of TP is unknown. Our hypothesis was that the presence of a TP reflects the development of the maxilla. It has been proven that tooth agenesis is associated with small maxillary size. We investigated whether there is a relationship between maxillary third molar agenesis and the presence or absence of TP. The study was carried out on 253 Turkish patients. It showed a lower prevalence of third molar agenesis in female subjects with TP (P < 0.001). This study provides indirect evidence that development of the maxilla may be greater in female subjects with TP.
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