Variability of palatal dimensions in South Australian twins

Estimates of genetic contributions to variability in three palatal dimensions were obtained from a sample of 70 pairs of South Australian twins aged between 11 and 26 years. Palatal width and length were measured directly from dental models, while palatal height was assessed indirectly from moiré contourographs. For each of the three palatal variables there was evidence of significant genetic variance, with heritability estimates for palatal width and height generally exceeding those for palatal length. Furthermore, palatal height measurements displayed greatest relative variability and strongest correlation between monozygous twins (r = 0.95), suggesting that this dimension could be useful as an additional comparative feature in forensic odontological investigations.