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Palatal shape covariation in extraction versus nonextraction borderline patients: A geometric morphometric study
Alexandros Papagiannis1, Rahel Sallmann2, Spyridon N Papageorgiou2
1Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
Summary
Orthodontic treatment causes significant palatal shape changes, especially in extraction patients who show decreased palatal length. Nonextraction patients experienced increased palatal width, highlighting differences in orthodontic outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Orthodontics
- Craniofacial Morphology
Background:
- Orthodontic treatment involves complex decisions regarding tooth extractions.
- Understanding palatal shape changes is crucial for predicting treatment outcomes.
- Borderline cases present unique challenges in orthodontic treatment planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate palatal shape alterations in borderline orthodontic patients.
- To compare changes between extraction and nonextraction treatment groups.
- To identify specific patterns of palatal modification based on treatment modality.
Main Methods:
- Utilized discriminant analysis to identify a borderline sample (30 nonextraction, 23 extraction).
- Digitized dental casts and applied geometric morphometrics (Procrustes superimposition, PCA).
- Analyzed 239 landmarks on the hard palate to assess shape variability.
Main Results:
- No significant sexual dimorphism in palatal shape was observed.
- Extraction group showed 61% more pronounced palatal changes, primarily decreased length (P=0.02).
- Nonextraction group exhibited increased palatal width (P<0.001), with longer palates compared to the extraction group.
Conclusions:
- Orthodontic treatment leads to considerable palatal shape changes in both extraction and nonextraction groups.
- Extraction treatment results in more pronounced modifications, particularly affecting palatal length.
- Further research is needed to determine the clinical significance of these palatal shape changes in borderline patients.
