Palatal surface development from 6 years of age to early adulthood: data modelling using 3D geometric morphometrics.

Abstract

The study followed the modelling of postnatal growth of a healthy palate of the Central European (Czech) population sample based on transverse data on sex and age from 6 to 19 years. Digitised 3D models of 212 healthy palatal surfaces were evaluated using 3D geometric morphometrics and superimpositions. The individuals were grouped based on age (preschool, younger and older school age, younger and older adolescents, young adults) and sex (♂ n = 101, ♀ n = 111). Female palatal development was non-linear and was interrupted between the 10-12 years and then proceeded intensively until the age of 15 when it ceased. In contrast, male-modelled growth was consistent throughout the follow-up and continued linearly until at least 19 years of age. The palate did not widen further with increasing age, and primarily palatal vaulting and heightening were found. The characteristics and distribution of areas with extensive modelled growth changes were comparable in females and males, as confirmed by the location of principal components (PC1 and PC2) within modal space and growth trajectories. The extent of sexual dimorphism increased from 15 years of age due to pubertal spurt combined with earlier completion of palatal development in females. The study showed modelled healthy palatal development from 6 years of age to early adulthood, which might be utilised as reference standards for the Central European population sample. The comparison of normal reference subjects with patients with cranio-maxillo-facial dysmorphologies represents the first step in diagnosing and establishing effective therapy.