Definition
The ogival palate is a malformation characterized by the reduction of the transverse diameter of the palatal vault, with accentuation of the height of the upper jaw bone. In other words, an ogival palate appears narrow and hollowed upwards, with an aspect similar to an ogive (a pointed arch structure that is typically found in Gothic churches or in the shape of bullets).
The ogival palate is often a consequence of the defect of sucking thumb or pacifier in childhood. This deformation can also be found when adenoid hypertrophy persists for a long time. In this condition, breathing is almost exclusively oral and may be accompanied by severe snoring, with episodes of apnea and recurrent inflammation of the throat.
In other cases, the ogival palate is associated with Marfan syndrome, DiGeorge syndrome (characterized by the 22q11.2 deletion) and Noonan syndrome.
To malformation of the palate, dental malocclusion and other anomalies in the growth of the face (micrognathia of the jaw) can be added. The ogival palate can be corrected with orthodontic therapy (fixed or mobile appliance) or surgery.
Possible Causes * of ogival Palate
- Hypertrophic adenoids
- Marfan syndrome
- Tonsillitis
