Palatal Morphology and Its Relative Effect on Malocclusion A Review

AbstractCraniofacial structures, including the human palate, exhibit unique morphological variations. Palatal morphology influences malocclusion and is affected by factors such asbreathing, tongue posture, and dental habits. This review explores literature on palatal morphology, focusing on arch form, length, depth, and rugae patterns, and their impact on dentoalveolar and skeletal patterns. A four-month search identified relevant studies from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar, with fifteen articles selected for analysis. Findings indicate significant variations in palatal morphology across malocclusion classes and skeletal growth patterns. Class I malocclusions have larger maxillary bases and intermolar widths compared to Class II and III. Class II division 1 malocclusions show greater palatal height and narrower maxillary arches, while Class II division 2 exhibits wider arches and lower palatal heights. Unique and stable palatal rugae serve as reliable identification markers in forensic medicine. Advances in imaging techniques have enhanced understanding, aiding in diagnosis and tailored treatments.