Perbedaan Panjang Palatum Lunak Dan Kedalaman Nasofaring (Need’s Ratio) Pada Berbagai Pola Pertumbuhan Skeletal Vertikal Wajah

Abstract

Need's ratio is a value used to describe the relationship between the length of the soft palate and the depth of the nasopharynx in assessing velopharyngeal function. The soft palate plays an important role in velopharyngeal closure, which is essential for normal functions such as sucking, swallowing, and speech. The aim of this study was to determine the mean values and differences in soft palate length, nasopharyngeal depth, and Need's ratio across various vertical skeletal growth patterns of the face. This research employed a descriptive-analytic method with a cross-sectional design. A total of 69 lateral cephalograms of patients aged 16-40 years at RSGM FKG USU were used. Vertical skeletal growth patterns were assessed using the Steiner method, followed by measurements of soft palate length and nasopharyngeal depth (Need's ratio) with Corel- Draw X8 software. The results showed that the mean soft palate length was greatest in the hyperdivergent growth pattern and smallest in the hypodivergent pattern. The mean nasopharyngeal depth was greatest in the hypodivergent pattern and smallest in the hyperdivergent pattern. The mean Need's ratio was highest in the hypodivergent pattern and lowest in the hyperdivergent pattern. ANOVA test results revealed significant differences in nasopharyngeal depth and Need's ratio among the hypodivergent, normodivergent, and hyperdivergent vertical skeletal growth patterns. However, no significant difference was observed in soft palate length among the three growth patterns.