Evaluation of the nasal septum and depth of palatal arch in different facial vertical patterns: A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Study

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the nasal septum and the depth of posterior palatal arch in the different facial vertical patterns using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Materials and methods: A total of 143 CBCTs were analysed (53 normodivergents, 26 hypodivergents, and 64 hyperdivergents) using the software Real Scan 2.2. On the coronal view, the following measurements were taken, palatal interalveolar length (PIL), palatal arch depth (PAD), maxillopalatal arch angle (MPAA), septal vertical length (SVL), deviated septal length (DSL), and deviated septal curve angle (DSCA). Using the program Stata v16.0, we obtained the mean, standard deviation and median values. The identification of significant differences between facial biotypes was performed using the one-way ANOVA test and H of Kruskal-Wallis test, considering a significance level of 0.05.

Results: The hypodivergent group got the highest PIL and MPAA (49.6mm and 118.1° respectively), with statistically significant differences (P<0.05) between this group and the hyperdivergent group. Statistically significant differences were found by gender for the SNMeGo, PFH, AFH, and the relationship between the facial heights, where the males had the highest values. Additionally, PIL and SVL also had the highest values for males (48.8mm and 63.6mm respectively).

Conclusions: Patients presenting with greater hyperdivergence have shorter interalveolar distances and smaller maxillopalatal arch angles.

Keywords: Cone-beam computed tomography; Dental arch; Growth; Hard palate; Nasal septum.