Palatal rugae and arch length: A tool in gender determination

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate differences in the palatal rugae patterns and maxillary arch length in male and female patient visiting Dental College. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 maxillary impressions were taken and plaster casts were obtained, equally distributed between males and females belonging to an age range of 18-30 years were examined for arch length and different rugae patterns. The arch length was measured by Lavelle's method and rugae pattern was assessed by applying Thomas and Kotze classification. The data were subjected to statistical analysis using independent t -test and a stepwise discriminant function developed using the SPSS 20.0 statistical package (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois, USA). Results: The study revealed that the arch lengths at all dimension was higher for males than females, which were found to be statistically significant. However, with regard to rugae pattern females showed higher curved and diverging rugae type while males had a higher number of circular and converging type of rugae, which was found to be statistically significant. Discrimination function analysis allowed a moderate differentiation of the population. Conclusion: The palatal rugae pattern and maxillary arch length can be used as an additional method in differentiating gender between human population groups.