Palatal dimensions in different occlusal relationships

Background: This study aimed to compare the palatal dimensions in different occlusal relationships and to find out the genders difference in each relationship. Materials and methods: The sample consisted of 60 sets of dental casts for 60 dental students and patients attending the Orthodontic Department in the College of Dentistry, University of Baghdad. These casts divided into three groups according to the Angle's classification: Class I group: included casts of subjects had Class I normal occlusion and consisted of 10 males and 10 females. Class II Division 1 group: included casts of subjects had Class II Division 1 malocclusion and consisted of 10 males and 10 females. Class III group: included casts of subjects with Class III malocclusion and consisted of 10 males and 10 females. The palatal dimensions were measured using digital vernier and palatometer. Descriptive statistics were performed to each gender and to both genders in each class. Inferential statistics included independent sample t-test to find out the presence of genders difference and ANOVA then LSD tests to show the classes differences in each gender and in the total sample. Results and Conclusions: The results showed that Class I and II males had the largest palatal dimensions than females while Class III females had the largest palatal dimensions than males. Class I subjects had the largest palatal width and depth while Class II subjects had the largest palatal length. Class I males and Class III females had the largest palatal width than other classes. Class III females and Class II males had the largest palatal depth than other classes.