Geometric Morphometric Analysis of Palatal Form in Patients with Maxillary Anterior Teeth impaction-A Systematic Review

Anjana Rajagopalan,
Babu Lal,
Prabhat Kumar Chaudhari,
Shailendra Singh Rana*

Abstract

Introduction: Morphometrics is a rising technology being employed for describing biological structures in terms of quantifying their shape and form. This review explores maxillary palatal vault shape and arch dimensions which are proposed to have a role in the aetiology of maxillary buccal and canine impactions. Objectives: To analyse the morphological variations in palatal shape in subjects with maxillary anterior teeth impaction using Geometric Morphometric Analysis. Methods: Two independent reviewers searched six databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Open Grey). The searches were carried out in November 2023 with no restrictions on publication date. Observational studies and Randomised controlled trials (Study design) were included wherein the morphological variations in palatal shape (outcome) in subjects with maxillary anterior teeth impaction (population) studied using Geometric Morphometric Analysis (intervention). The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were applied, and the protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023449757). The risk of bias was determined using the Anatomical Quality Assessment (AQUA) tool. Results: Patients with unilateral or bilateral buccal displaced permanent canine showed a vertical extension and a horizontal compression in the lateral area of the palate. Palatal canine impactions had minimal relationship with palatal shape and morphology. Conclusion: Morphometric variations of the palatal vault can be considered a factor in determining the probability of maxillary anterior teeth impactions.