Association of Morphological Characteristics of Palatal Rugae Pattern with Dental Malocclusion in Himachal Population

Abstract

Introduction: Palatal rugae used for the evaluation of dental movements and as a landmark in the superimposition of dental cast for orthodontic purpose as it is a stable point. So, the aims and objectives of our study is to investigate the association of morphological characteristics of palatal rugae with dental malocclusion in Himachali population. Materials and methods: 90 subjects divided into three groups (n=30 each) on the basis of Angle’s classification. Palatal rugae were marked on dental casts and evaluated for length, pattern and orientation. Obtained measurements were then statistically analysed. Conclusion: Primary palatal rugae’s length was found more in Class II followed by Class III and Class I malocclusion. Among the pattern of the primary palatal rugae, curved pattern were more evident on both right and left sides of all malocclusion groups. Horizontal directed orientation is more predominant on the right side and posteriorly directed on the left side of the first primary palatine rugae. Keywords: Rugae, Malocclusion, orientation pattern, length, morphology.