Methods: Palatal width and depth were measured using a three-dimensional measuring instrument in 60 maxillary stone casts. Finite element models were constructed for unilateral free-end saddle dentures based on the results of these cast measurements. A basic model was constructed from mean palatal width and depth. Models with increased or decreased palatal width or depth were also constructed. The anteroposterior width of the palatal strap was changed from 7 mm to 9, 11, 13, 15, and 17 mm in each model. Fifty N vertical force was loaded onto the left 1st molar region. Vertical displacement among them was then compared.
Results: Displacement was larger in models with increased width and decreased depth, and smaller in models with decreased width and increased depth compared to in the basic model. Influence of palatal depth on denture displacement decreased with increase in anteroposterior strap width. No change was observed in denture displacement with change in palatal width, even when anteroposterior strap width was increased.
Conclusion: Our results suggest that anteroposterior width needs to be increased in shallow and wide palates, and that it may be decreased in narrow and deep palates.