Orofacial clefting (OC) is the most common craniofacial deformity affecting the craniofacial complex. Its prevalence differs by sex and ancestral background due to etiological factors that remain largely unclear. We utilize advanced 3D morphometric analyses to study the shape of the palate in multiple populations. The pattens of variation in the normal shape of the palate shed the light on underlying morphological risk factors that are associated with an increased risk of OC. These risk factors are identified in at-risk populations, including parents of children affected with OC, while these parents are otherwise classified as “unaffected”. We also explore patterns of normal variation in palatal shape by sex and ancestry. These patterns further highlight potential risk factors that contribute to the differing prevalence of OC worldwide.
