Dimensional changes in palatal rugae Following maxillary canine retraction using laser scanning system, in vitro study.

The aim of this study was to assess dimensional changes occurring in palatal rugae area following maxillary canine retraction (CR) using laser scanning system in an in vitro study. Materials and methods: It was performed on 40 orthodontics study models for 20 adolescents, (20 before and 20 after C.R). All 40 Casts were scanned by E1 3-shape laser scanner. Transverse, antero-posterior and angular measures before (T1) and after (T2) C.R were measured using the laser scanning system and compared. Data were entered and analyzed using IBM-SPSS software (IBM Corp. Released 2017. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.). Results: Comparing measures before and after C.R revealed that most of palatal 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd rugae measures (transverse, antero-posterior and angular) were insignificantly changed by C.R in all dimensions. Changes were not equal on right and left sides. Spearman's rank-order correlation test showed very strong positive correlation between most measures before and after C.R. Conclusion:  In this study, 3^rd rugae showed the least changes before and after C.R so it can be considered the most stable area in rugae. It also showed different response to C.R between right and left sides.