Three-dimensional dental arch and palatal form changes after extraction and nonextraction treatment. Part 2. Palatal volume and height.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in palatal volume and palatal height in patients treated with and without premolar extractions. Records were collected at pretreatment, at bracket removal, at the end of retention, and 5 years out of retention. Stone casts were mounted in a SAM 2 articulator with an anatomic face-bow and a central wax record, and measurements were made with a 3-dimensional digitizer. The hypothesis, that orthodontic treatment with premolar extractions changes the palatal form, was verified. Increases in palatal volume and height were demonstrated in the nonextraction group. The extraction group showed a decrease in palatal volume but could compensate for some loss by an increase in volume in the anterior segment.