Taking shape: A geometric morphometric analysis of the immature human palate in relation to dental eruption and growth.

Background: The immature human palate functions in suckling and swallowing but transitions to participate in mastication and sound production as the individual grows and matures. Functional alterations manifest as changes in the morphology of the palate and may result from dental eruption. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of dental eruption on morphological changes of the palate in immature individuals using geometric morphometrics.

Methods: Crania from 72 individuals were sourced from the Raymond A. Dart Collection of Human Skeletons, University of the Witwatersrand. Age groups corresponding to the eruption of the deciduous (birth - 5 years), mixed (6-12 years) and permanent dentition (13-20 years) respectively were used. Fourteen osteological landmarks were digitised across the oral surface of the palate and were converted into linear distances and 3D wireframes. Data analysis focused on alterations in shape and size relative to the state of the dentition.

Results: A significant increase in the geometric mean, length and width was observed between the different states of the dentition. The palate shape was long and narrow in the permanent dentition group, resulting in a more acute angle anteriorly and a protruded orale. A protrusion of the staphylion and deeper palatal dome and change in the horizontal alignment of the alveolar region were also observed in the permanent dentition group.

Conclusion: The subtle changes identified in the growing palate during different stages of the dentition may assist forensic scientists during detailed case analysis.