Height and width of orthodontically treated palates in Class II Division 1 patients: a longitudinal study.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the relationship between palatal height and width on plaster casts from 33 growing individuals with Class II Division 1 relationships who received orthodontic treatment without extraction.


METHODS
The palatal contours in the permanent canine and first molar regions were registered with a digital pantograph before treatment (T1), at the end of treatment (T2), and at least 5 years posttreatment (T3).


RESULTS
The anterior palatal height did not change between T1 and T2, but a significant reduction was observed between T2 and T3. In the posterior palatal region, the height increased between T1 and T2 but not thereafter. No significant transverse changes were found in the canine region between T1 and T2. In the posterior region, however, the width increased significantly between T1 and T2.


CONCLUSIONS
Palatal morphology in orthodontically treated Class II patients changed from an initially more triangular into a more square shape due to an increase in height and basal width, as well as a decrease in cervical width.
Derech
Carla D'Agostini
CD
Department of Orthodontics, University of Brazil, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. carladerech@hotmail.com
Locks
Arno
A
Bolognese
Ana Maria
AM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002508:Cephalometry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D003481:Cuspid / Q000473:pathology; D005115:Extraoral Traction Appliances; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008312:Malocclusion, Angle Class II / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D003765:Models, Dental; D008963:Molar / Q000473:pathology; D009971:Orthodontics, Corrective / Q000295:instrumentation; D010159:Palate / Q000473:pathology*; D055815:Young Adult