Three dimensional measurements of the palate using a semiconductor laser: The influence of anterior cross bite on the palate in deciduous dentition

The objective of the study was to make three dimensional measurements of the maxillary palate of 3- and 4-year old children who have developed anterior cross bite of deciduous dentition using a semiconductor laser. The effects of anterior cross bite were examined on the interdentition section area, the intradentition projection area, and the palate volume. Compared with normal occlusion, anterior cross bite of deciduous dentition caused smaller interdentition section areas at the deciduous canines and the primary first molars, and greater interdentition section areas at the primary second molars and between the posterior margins of the primary second molars. The intradentition projection area at the anterior dentition was smaller in anterior cross bite than in normal occlusion. The intradentition projection area at the posterior dentition in anterior cross bite was nearly the same as that in normal occlusion. The anterior palate volume was smaller and the posterior palate volume was greater in anterior cross bite than in normal occlusion. The above results suggest that anterior cross bite in deciduous dentition suppresses anterior growth and accelerates posterior growth of the maxillary palate.