Purpose: The Straumann Orthosystem (Institut Strauamnn, Waldenburg, Switzerland) involves the placement of titanium implants (4 or 6 mm long and 3.3 mm in diameter) into the midsagittal hard palate for orthodontic anchorage. Given the proximity to vital structures such as the nasal fossa, it is desirable for the clinician to have information regarding the thickness of the palatal bone available for implant placement. Relatively little research has been done on the dimensions of palatal bone. Thus, a study was carried out to determine the range and mean vertical bone height in midsagittal and paramedian sites. Materials and Methods: 44 cadaver specimens, sectioned in the midsagittal plane, were examined. The vertical bone heights of the midsagittal and paramedian planes (located five millimeters to the right and left of the midsagittal plane) were measured to the nearest one hundredth of a millimeter. Measurements were taken at three points corresponding to the first premolar, second premolar, and first molar on the right and left sides. Results: The mean measurements at the first premolar site were 4.86, 4.98, and 4.99 mm at the midline, right paramedian, and left paramedian, respectively. Corresponding figures from the second premolar were 4.54, 4.67, and 4.64 mm. In the first molar site the mean values were 4.16, 4.18, and 4.09 mm. Conclusion: Palatal bone thickness (vertical bone height) increased anteriorly from the first molar to the first premolar. Sufficient bone exists in the first and second premolar sites (median and paramedian) to allow placement of an orthodontic implant of 4 mm in length. Generally, there is insufficient vertical bone height to allow placement of a 6 mm orthodontic implant.

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