A Novel Approach to Determine the Prevalence of Type of Soft Palate Using Digital Intraoral Impression

Abstract

Aim To determine the prevalence of type of soft palate in targeted population. Materials and Methods Using computer technology in dentistry, intraoral digital scanner, and 3D analysis software tool, study was conducted. 100 patients selected from the outpatient clinics were divided into two groups based on the ages of 20–40 years and 41–60 years with equal ratio of males and females. Each selected patient's maxillary arch was scanned with intraoral scanner; images so obtained were sectioned in anteroposterior cross section and with the 3D analysis software; the angulation between hard and soft palate was determined. Results The prevalence of type II soft palate (angulation between hard and soft palate is between 10 and 45 degrees) was highest, 60% in group 1 and 44% in group 2. The difference between genders was statistically significant with p value <0.05 in both the groups, although females had higher angulation compared to the males in all classes of both groups. Conclusions In targeted population of Aseer Province, Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of type II soft palate was more common, with higher soft palate angulation among females. The advanced age had no effect in the type of soft palate in the region.

Evaluating vibrating line location with respect to palatine fovea in various soft palate types

“…Landmarks like fovea palatine and vibrating line helps in exact placement of posterior denture borders however, the different soft palatal shapes show positional variation of vibrating line. 10 Research work by Baharat Kumar 17 and coworkers on 197 subjects reported anteriorly located vibrating line in 64% patient whereas 34 % had line coincide with fovea. None of their subjects had posterior location.…”

“…Class II palate 10-45 degree; has a comparative vertical direction than class I. Class III palate has sharp vertical drop and males >45degree angle to hard palate 10,11 .…”

“…As contours of soft palate show variation in patients therefore the position of vibrating line varies from person to person. 10 Furthermore, the soft palate movements and tissue thickness at posterior palatal seal area varies 10…”

Concepts and Clinical Applications of Intraoral 3D Scanning in the Management of Patients with Orofacial Clefts

“…Although plaster casts may record accurately the anatomy of the hard palate, yet it is fails to provide a detailed recording of the soft palate [32]. Despite the presence of alternative radiographic methods as CBCT, high radiation exposure particularly in pediatric patients can be a limitation, in addition to possible images overlap and inaccurate recording of borders of soft tissue structures [33]. Also, studies reported that MRI may provide a gap between the radiographic and clinical case severity, so it cannot be used solely to evaluate patients with cleft palate and should be combined with clinical examination to provide an appropriate treatment plan [34].…”

Palatal Soft Tissue Thickness on Maxillary Posterior Teeth and Its Relation to Palatal Vault Angle Measured by Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

“…Along with variations in vital structures and palatal vault anatomy, the maximum dimensions of soft tissues that can be harvested, in terms of height and length, have been previously reported [ 5 , 7 , 8 ] Similarly, several methods have been described to measure the thickness of the palatal gingival tissues. Transgingival probing is a commonly performed direct method but is invasive in nature and causes considerable patient discomfort, requiring local anesthesia [ 9 ].…”