Three Dimensional Assessment of the Palate and Palatal Contoural changes in Orthodontically treated cases using Reverse Engineering 3-D LASER scanner

Previous studies of the morphologic changes of the maxilla after orthodontic treament have used 2-dimensional methodologies. In the present study, we used a 3-dimensional surface laser scanning technique and computerized cast analysis for assessment of palatal contour in saggital, transverse and vertical dimensions. Maxillary pre and post treatment casts were duplicated and scanned using 3-D FARO laser scanner. The following landmarks were identified: Medial points of third palatal rugae; Point A (Intersection of the midsagittal plane with a line passing over the widest point of incisive papilla); Point B (Intersection of the midsagittal plane with a plane passing through most distal points of the upper first permanent molars); Point C (Cervical aspect of the mesiolingual cusp at the junction of the right permanent first molar tooth and gingival margin); Point D (Cervical aspect of the mesiolingual cusp at the junction of the left permanent first molar tooth and gingival margin). Length of the palate-measured from Point A to Point B; width of the palate-measured from Point C to Point D; height of the palate-measured from Point C/Point D to the highest point of the palatal vault were evaluated. Cast analysis demonstrated that, palatal contour reacted differently when treated with extraction and non extraction. A significant difference was found in palatal contour treated by extraction in the saggital and transverse dimension. However a significant change was observed in the length and vertical height of the palate when treated without extractions. Intergroup analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in post treatment anteroposterior length of palate between extraction and non-extraction cases.