Thickness of Soft and Hard Tissues on Palate of Patients with Different Facial Types: A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Study

Each facial type has anatomical characteristics with implications in diagnosis and treatment plan. The objective of present study was to evaluate the thickness of soft and osseous tissue of the palate according to anatomical area and facial type in cone beam tomography. Thickness of tissues was evaluated through Cone Beam tomography records of 140 patients, in cross-sectional areas at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 mm posterior to incisive foramen. Digitized extraoral photographs were used to evaluate facial type. At 25 mm, differences were found between facial types with respect to thickness of osseous tissue (p=0.035) and soft tissue (p=0.040). A significant correlation between both types of palatal tissues was observed in mesofacial type at 25 mm (p=0.005), in dolichofacial type at 15 mm (p=0.018), 20 mm (p=0.001) and 25 mm (p=0.001). Regarding gender and osseous tissue thickness, differences at 5 mm (p=0.001) and 10 mm (p=0.007); between gender and soft tissue thickness at 20 mm (p=0.046) and 25 mm (p=0.001). Also, between age and soft tissue thickness at 25 mm (p=0.036). Differences were found between facial types with respect to thickness of osseous tissue and soft tissue in posterior sector. A negative correlation between thicknesses of soft tissue and osseous tissue in middle and posterior sectors of dolichofacial and mesofacial types. Differences were found between gender and thickness of osseous tissue in anterior sector, between gender and thickness of soft tissue in posterior sector; as well as between age and soft tissue thickness in posterior sector.