Palatal dimensions at different stages of dentition in 5 to 18-year-old Iranian children and adolescent with normal occlusion

Abstract Background This study was purposed to evaluate palatal width, height, and height index at various stages of dentition in Iranian children and adolescent with normal occlusion. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on a random sample of 237 children (45% male and 55% female, aged 5–18 years) with normal occlusion selected from kindergartens and elementary and high schools in Hamadan, Iran. The subjects were clinically examined and classified based on dentition to primary (21.5%), mixed (21.9%), and permanent (56.5%) stages. Dental casts were obtained from all subjects. Palatal width (inter-molar and -canine distances), and height (at molar and canine areas) were measured on the casts by Korkhaus’ compass and digital caliper. Palatal height index was calculated for each dentition stage. Data were analyzed by SPSS 15 using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test and t- test (p