Asymmetry of Maxillary and Mandibular Dentoalveolar Structures, Palatal Rugae Depth, and Two‐Dimensional Projected Maxillary Sinus Area in Unilateral Maxillary Buccal and Palatal Canine Impactions

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the dentoalveolar, palatal rugae, and maxillary sinus asymmetry associated with unilateral maxillary buccal and palatal canine impactions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study included pretreatment records of 59 patients aged between 13 and 17 years (17 with buccally impacted canines, 20 with palatally impacted canines, and 22 controls). Maxillary and mandibular dentoalveolar measurements were obtained from three-dimensional digital models using OrthoAnalyzer software. The depth of the first palatal rugae was measured using Autodesk Fusion, whereas the two-dimensional projected maxillary sinus area was measured on panoramic radiographs using SketchAndCalc software. Asymmetry was quantified as the absolute difference between the right and left side measurements, and the magnitude of asymmetry was compared among the study groups. RESULTS: In the intergroup comparisons, statistically significant differences were observed in the asymmetry values of the maxillary central and lateral incisors, as well as in the first palatal rugae depth (p < 0.001, p = 0.006, and p = 0.007, respectively). The highest asymmetry values were found in the palatal group, followed by the buccal and control groups. In the intragroup analyses, a significant difference between the impacted and contralateral sides was observed only in the palatal group in terms of the first palatal rugae depth (p = 0.040). No significant asymmetry was detected in projected maxillary sinus area or other dentoalveolar parameters in either intergroup or intragroup comparisons. CONCLUSION: In this study, significant asymmetries in the maxillary anterior teeth and palatal morphology were observed in patients with unilateral palatally impacted canines. No significant association was observed with mandibular dentoalveolar asymmetry or panoramic maxillary sinus area. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is a retrospective study and does not involve prospective human interventions; therefore, clinical trial registration is not required.