Three dimensional measurement of the palate using the semiconductor laser: On the influences of the palate of maxillary protrusion with finger sucking

The aim of the study was to measure three-dimensionally using the semiconductor laser to examine changes in palate section areas, palate projection areas and palate volumes for 5-year olds children with maxillary protrusion of primary dental arch induced by finger sucking. Because of pressure by fingers on the palate, the palate section areas between deciduous canines and between primary first molars in finger sucking children were greater than those in children with normal occlusion. The palate projection area in the anterior segment of the arch in finger sucking children was greater than that in normal occlusion children. The anterior palate volume in finger sucking children was greater than that in normal occlusion children. However, because of anterior traction of the palate by fingers in finger sucking, the palate section area between the posterior margin of the primary second molars in finger sucking children was smaller than that in normal occlusion children. The palate projection area between posterior segment of the arch in finger sucking children was smaller than that in normal occlusion children. The posterior palate volume in finger sucking children was smaller than that in normal occlusion children.