Objective       To measure the bone thickness of the palatal areas by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)

and analyze the safe zones of the palate to place mini-implants.        Methods       CBCT data of 103 adults (49 men and 54 women

20 to 40 years old) in our hospital from 2011 to 2013 were selected and reconstructed by Invivo 5.0 software. The palatal bone thickness was measured at 28 sites. After the statistical analysis using SPSS 20.0

maps of palatal bone thickness distribution were made.        Results       The maximum value of palatal bone thickness was 11.90±2.73 mm

and the minimum value was 1.53±0.98 mm. Significant differences were observed between the male and female groups at 21 sites (P0.05

P0.01). The thickness of palatal bone tended to decrease posteriorly

except for the midpalatal suture. The safe zones of the palate for mini-implant insertion were located at the midpalatal suture and the anterior region of the paramedian palate.        Conclusion       The midpalatal suture and the anterior region of the paramedian palate are suitable for mini-implant insertion in adults.