Palatal Rugae Research Articles

Forensic identification elements with the help of rugoscopy in children

Transverse palatine ridges or palatal rugae (RP) are asymmetrical and irregular increases of the mucosa in the anterior third of the palate, from the lateral membrane of the incisive papilla, arranged in transversal direction from the palatine raphe, in medial-sagital plan. The study was performed on 50 maxillary models from the Orthodontist Clinic of the Dental Medicine Faculty, Ovidius University Constanta. The models are from children aged 8 up to 17 years old, which were presented to the clinic for different odontal and orthodontic treatments. The scope of this study is to demonstrate the possibility to forensically and odonto-dentally identify through the description of form and biometric characteristics of the palatine rugae, analyzing their prevalence and comparing them with previously obtained results, from a study performed on 72 adult subjects. All types of form were met: angular, circular, undulated and linear. There were no similarities between sexes or the age groups examined; all we can state is that female subjects have generally a larger number of rugae, with a greater variability of forms. The largest number of palatine rugae was found in a boy of 9 years - 22 rugae. Analyzing the entire lot we observed that most of the models present an uneven number of palatine rugae. Comparing with other studies performed on adults the total number average of rugae, indifferent of sex, is larger in children - 12.44 than in adults - 10.43. Palatine rugae are unique for each individual, whether it's adult or child.

Palatal Rugoscopy- Establishing Identity

The new millennium has brought many good things in our lives for example a boom in telecommunication and information technology (Tele Dentistry). On the other hand it has also brought new challenges of terrorism, natural disasters and a high rate of crime. Forensic dentistry has become an integral part of forensic medicine utilized in the act of criminal investigations and legal proceedings since the past 100 years. Any process that possesses the possibility of assisting the forensic field in identifying a suspect should be pursued and utilized in the act of criminal investigations and legal proceedings. One such process is uniqueness of palatal rugae which have been highly individual and consistent in shape throughout life.

Comparison of palatal rugae patterns in Kodava and Malayalee populations of South India

Introduction:The palatal rugae pattern is unique to humans and may be specific to ethnic groups hence useful in population identification in forensic dentistry. The present study has been carried out to analyze the rugae pattern in two populations in and around Coorg, with objectives to analyze the palatal rugae pattern among Kodavas and Malayalees and to analyze the rugae pattern between sexes within each group.Materials and Methods:The sample comprised two population groups in Coorg namely Kodavas and Malayalees, (n = 30) from each group, age-range of 18-30 years, equally distributed between the sexes. The rugae pattern were categorized as ‘straight,’ ‘wavy,’ ‘curved’ ‘circular’, and ‘unification’. Pairwise comparison for two populations was done using non-parametric Mann-Whitney test. Mann-Whitney two-tailed test was used to test the difference between sexes.Results:Wavy pattern (100%) was highest among Kodavas. There was a significant difference between Malayalees and Kodavas for wavy (Mean = 5.867 and 8.400) and unification patterns (Mean = 2.267and 1.000). Significant difference between sexes for straight rugae pattern (Mean, males = 2.267, females = 1.200) among Malayalees was seen.Conclusion:The differences in rugae shape between the two populations (wavy and unification patterns) may be attributed to genetic factors and recent shared ancestry has probably rendered their differences to moderate levels.

Assessment of palatal rugae pattern and their reproducibility for application in forensic analysis

Background:Rugae are the anatomical folds that are located on the anterior third of palate behind the incisive papillae. They are also known as “Plica palatine,” and the study of these patterns is called palatoscopy. It can be used in various fields such as sex determination, orthodontics and forensic odontology.Objective:To investigate palatal rugae patterns in females and males and to evaluate the stability of these patterns in pre- and post-operative orthodontic cases.Materials and Methods:Fifty patients were selected for this study (25 males and 25 females). From the above sample, 10 males and 10 females had undergone orthodontic treatment and their casts were retrieved for sex determination analysis and stability of rugae patterns pre- and post-treatment.Results:Changes occur in bony structures during fixed orthodontic treatment but rugae patterns remain stable. Kappa stats and Chi square test were used to analyze agreement between the two evaluators, and 95% correct matches were achieved.Conclusion:Palatal rugae are unique to every individual and can be used as an indicator in forensic odontology.

Morphology of palatal rugae patterns among 5-15 years old children

Introduction:“The fibers running anteroposteriorly within the core and in concentric curves across the base of each ruga” determine their orientation and forms. The varying shapes of palatal rugae can be attributed to the fact that rugae develop as localized regions of epithelial proliferation and thickening. Fibroblasts and collagen fibers then accumulate in the connective tissue beneath the thickened epithelium and assume distinct orientation.Aim:The aim of the present study was to assess the morphology, gender difference of rugae pattern in 5-15 year old children.Materials and Methods:The various diagnostic dental stone cast available in Department of Pedodontics were analyzed by the method based on Thomas and Kotze classification in 1983.Results:There was a female prediction in the total count and primary rugae pattern. Comparing the shapes of rugae both in male and female study models showed a predominance in wave shape followed by cure. No circular pattern was observed in the study population. No statistical difference in the direction and unification of rugae among males and females.Conclusion:The fingerprint-like uniqueness of rugae to each individual has become accepted as a possible aid to person identification. This may help narrow the field for identification and give results in conjunction with the other methods such as visual, fingerprints, and dental characteristics in forensic sciences.

Palatal Rugae Patterns of Urhobos in Abraka, South-Southern Nigeria

La identificacion humana es la principal tarea de las ciencias forenses. La palatorugoscopia se basa en el principio de que no hay dos paladares iguales. El estudio de los pliegues palatinos y el estudio de las huellas dactilares son en ocasiones complementarios, ya que operan con los mismos metodos, basados en las mismas bases cientificas. Este estudio pretende describir la forma y la distribucion por sexo de las rugas palatinas y su prevalencia en la poblacion estudiada. La poblacion de estudio consistio en 84 sujetos, 42 hombres y 42 mujeres de origen etnica y cultural Urhobo, entre 17 y 30 anos de edad, con dotacion completa de los dientes superiores, realizado en Abraka. La prevalencia de las diferentes formas de rugas palatinas fue: lineal (27,2%), sinuosa (21,1%), angular (18,1%), polimorfica (15,5%), en punto (7,5%), curva (6,2%) y circular (4,2%). El numero total de formas de rugas palatinas en la muestra fue de 520, ligeramente superior en mujeres (51,5%) con una media de 6,38 (DE 1,45) que los hombres (48,5%), con una media de 6 (DE 1,72). Sin embargo, la diferencia entre hombres y mujeres no fue estadisticamente significativa. El patron individualizado de las rugas palatinas es una herramienta de guia confiable para la identificacion forense.

Comparative study of palatal rugae pattern in class II div 1 and class I individuals

Aims:To determine if the palatal rugae have a characteristic pattern in untreated class II div 1 malocclusions compared to normal class I occlusions, and to provide a valuable insight whether palatal rugae can be taken up as additional criteria for classifying malocclusions.Materials and Methods:The study was conducted on initial maxillary dental casts of 24 individuals with untreated class II div 1 malocclusion with an overjet of minimum of 5mm, of whom 12 were females and 12 were males, with age ranging from 16 to 24 years and compared with Class I patients casts.Results:There was no statistically significant difference in the mean intermolar widths of the two groups. The first, second and third palatal rugae were shorter in class II div 1 patients than in class I patients which was statistically significant. All the patients with Angle's class I occlusion had good pattern of palatal rugae falling in the score range of 1–3, whereas 22% of the patients with class II div 1 had poor pattern of palatal rugae, with score 4 and 2 patients exhibiting a score of 4 and 5, respectively, but this was not statistically significant.Conclusion:There was a significant constriction of the palatal rugae in class II div 1 individuals as compared to class I individuals, though they were matched for the same intermolar widths. There was a distinct pattern of palatal rugae between the two groups.

Usefullness of palatal rugae patterns in establishing identity: Preliminary results from Bengaluru city, India

Introduction:Palatal rugoscopy is the name given to the study of palatal rugae. Rugae pattern are widely considered to remain unchanged during an individual's lifetime. The rugae pattern has the potential to remain intact by virtue of their internal position in the head when most other anatomical structures are destroyed or burned. Moreover, rugae pattern are considered to be unique similar to fingerprints and are advocated in personal identification.Objectives:The purpose of the study is to establish, individual identity using palatal rugae patterns.Materials and Methods:The study group consisted of 100 study models all of whom were subjects above 14 years old. Martin dos Santos’ classification was followed based on form and position to assess the individuality of rugae pattern.Results:Each individual had different rugae patterns including dizygous twins and the rugae patterns were not symmetrical, both in number and in its distribution.Conclusion:The preliminary study undertaken here shows no two palates are alike in terms of their rugae pattern. Palatal rugae possess unique characteristics as they are absolutely individualistic and therefore, can be used as a personal soft-tissue ‘oral’ print for identification in forensic cases.

Palatal rugae in population differentiation between South and North Indians: A discriminant function analysis

Aim:The present study is aimed at delineation of different types of rugae in two different populations and developing a discriminant function for the same.Materials and Methods:A total of 940 subjects were included in the present study. The sample consisted of 466 subjects from South Indian population and 474 from North Indian population in the age group of 18-23 years. Neo colloid Easy flow(™) alginate impressions of maxillary arch were made and casts were immediately poured with Type IV dental stone. A sharp graphite pencil was used to delineate the rugae and patterns were recorded according to the classification given by Kapali et al. The association between different population and different sexes was analyzed with chi-square test and a stepwise discriminant function analysis was also performed to develop a discriminant formula.Results:Wavy, curved and straight rugae were the most common forms in both groups. Chi-square analysis for association between rugae shape and population groups showed significant differences among all the rugae patterns at the P < 5%. Chi-square analysis for assessing sex differences in the rugae shapes showed significant difference in straight, unification and circular type. Five rugae shapes – curved, wavy, nonspecific, unification and circular – were selected for discriminant function.Conclusion:The discriminant function equation obtained from the different rugae shapes in the present study was highly accurate enough to distinguish the Southern and Northern Indian population with the classification accuracy of 87.8%. Thus to identify a specific population, separate discriminant function formulae have to be developed. Hence, the study of palatal rugae is one of the simple and reliable tools for population identification in forensic science.

Simple Technique for Duplicating the Palatal Rugae in the Maxillary Complete Denture

ABSTRACT Palatal rugae contours have a very important role in phonetics. The production of palatolingual group of sound involves the contact between tongue and the palate. For the newly denture wearer the palatal contours easily adapt the tongue to the rugae and in turn shortens or eliminates the adjustment for the phonation. This article describes a simple technique for duplicating the individual palatal rugae patterns in the denture to enhance the speech. How to cite this article Manvi S, Ankola A. Simple Technique for Duplicating the Palatal Rugae in the Maxillary Complete Denture. World J Dent 2012;3(1):95-96.

Assessment of palatal rugae patterns in Manipuri and Kerala population

Background:Palatal rugae comprises three to seven ridges radiating out tangentially from the incisive papilla on the anterior part of the palate. These rugae patterns are studied for various reasons, mainly in the fields of anthropology, genetics, orthodontics, prosthodontics, and forensic science.Objective:To compare the palatal rugae pattern in two different populations (Manipuri and Kerala), and to assess the predominant pattern if any in the selected groups.Materials and Methods:Sixty maxillary study models (30 from each group including males and females) were examined in the age group ranging from 17 to 23 years. Palatal rugae pattern were analyzed on the right and left sides of the palate for total number, length, shape, direction, and unification.Results:After analyzing the rugae patterns in both the groups and between the two sides of the palate, the wavy pattern was found to be predominant followed by curved, straight, and circular in overall population. Manipuri population showed predominant curved shape than the Kerala population and was statistically significant. Females in general had slightly more rugae than males and the left side of the palate showed comparatively more number of rugae than on the right side.Conclusion:A statistically significant association between the shape of the rugae and population exists although, subtle. Parameters like direction and unification need more attention for better understanding.

Palatal Rugae Pattern in a Portuguese Population: A Preliminary Analysis

Palatal rugae have been related with specific racial groups and are said to be useful in sex discrimination. This work aimed to characterize the palatal rugae patterns in a Portuguese population. Fifty plaster casts were examined for first and third rugae shape evaluation; shape, frequency, and association with sex were studied. In females, the most prevalent first rugae were the straight type on the right and the curve type on the left; in males, the straight type was the most prevalent on both sides. The most frequent third rugae type was sinuous on both sides, in both sexes. No significant sexual dimorphism in rugae shape was found (p > 0.05). When comparing these results with those from other investigations, it was clear that a particular rugae pattern could be established for different ethnic groups. However, the small sample size justifies further work in larger samples to validate these findings.

ROLE OF PALATAL RUGAE PATTERNS (RUGOSCOPY) IN FORENSIC FIELD: PERAN POLA RUGAE PALATAL (RUGOSKOPI) DALAM BIDANG FORENSIK

The development of forensic identification in dentistry is growing significantly to serve judicial system, there are teeth, lip prints, bite marks, dental arches, dental records, DNA, palatal rugae patterns, etc., which is called forensic odontology. Another forensics identification in dentistry is restoration material used in oral cavity. All of them are used in forensic identification for disaster victim identification, criminal and research. Differences of them are allowing fast and secure identification process, however, in some cases, these techniques can not always be applied which is necessary to apply different and less known techniques. This article reviews some of the useful palatal rugae patterns as forensic identification or rugoscopy by using gypsum dental cast. The palatine rugae is an interested forensic because of its typical pattern of orientation, number, position, and size which can be used to differ ethnicity or sex, and palatine rugae is permanent and unique to each person, so it can be used to assist the forensic odontologist in the identification of a person. In conclusion, palatine rugae is significant use in clinical and forensic purposes.

The effect of fluoride on orthodontic tooth movement in humans. A two- and three-dimensional evaluation

Abstract Aims: The aim of the present study was to determine whether high and low fluoride concentrations in drinking water affected the early stages of tooth movement when heavy and light orthodontic forces were applied for 4 weeks. A further aim was to compare and evaluate the resulting two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) orthodontic tooth movement. Methods: The sample consisted of 96 maxillary upper first premolars from 48 patients who required premolar extractions as part of their orthodontic treatment. Patients were selected from two different cities in Turkey with low and high fluoride concentrations of 0.05 and 2 ppm, respectively. The patient sample was divided into four groups according to the magnitude of force applied to the first premolars and the concentration of fluoride in the public water supply; Group 1, High fluoride intake (≥ 2 ppm)-Heavy force (225 g); Group 2, Low fluoride intake (≤ 0.05 ppm)-Heavy force; Group 3, High fluoride intake-Light force (25 g); and Group 4, Low fluoride intake-Light force. A light or heavy buccal tipping orthodontic force was applied to the upper first premolars for 4 weeks. The first three palatal rugae were used for the superimposition of patient casts in a 2-D and 3-D evaluation of generated movements. Results: It was found that heavy force application and fluoride intake increased the average rate of tooth movement. It was further shown that age was negatively correlated with tooth movement in the 2-D and 3-D measurements. Conclusions: The average rate of tooth movement was found to be greater in the heavy force and high fluoride intake group (Group 1HH). Age was negatively correlated with orthodontic tooth movement. Two- and three-dimensional methods were accurate for the assessment of tooth movement after four weeks of buccal tipping force application when the palatal rugae were used for superimposition.

Development of primary sensory neurons in the trigeminal nervous system; dependency on neurotrophins and other substances

This review presents information about the development of primary sensory neurons in the trigeminal nervous system. The deficiency of high affinity receptors for nerve growth factor (trkA) and neurotrophin-3 (trk-C) causesa reduction of primary nociceptors in the trigeminal ganglion (TG). The disruption of trkB, a receptor for brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurotrophin-4, causes a loss of Meissner endings in the palate and Ruffini endings in the periodontal ligament. The number of Merkel cells in palatal rugae is also severely reduced by the absence of trkA, trkB or trkC. In the mesencephalic trigeminal tract nucleus (Mes5), primary proprioceptors are decreased by 50% in trkC null mutant mice. On the other hand, the deficiency of Brn-3a, a member of the POU family of transcription factors, decreases primary nociceptors and low-threshold mechanoreceptors in the TG. In the Mes5 of Brn-3a knockout mice, primary proprioceptors are completely lost. In addition, the disruption of dystonin which is a member of the plakin family of high molecular weight cytoskeletal linker proteins causes a reduction of nociceptors in the TG but not proprioceptors in the Mes5. The dependency of primary nociceptors, low-threshold mechanoreceptors and proprioceptors on neurotrophins, Brn-3a and dystonin in the trigeminal nervous system is discussed.

Shh signaling is essential for rugae morphogenesis in mice

Palatal ridges, or rugae palatinae, are corrugated structures observed in the hard palate region. They are found in most mammalian species, but their number and arrangement are species-specific. Nine palatal rugae are found in the mouse secondary palate. Previous studies have shown that epithelial Shh signaling in the palatal ridge plays an important role during rugae development. Moreover, Wnt family members, including LEF1, play a functional role in orofacial morphogenesis. To explore the function of Shh during rugae development, we utilized the maternal transfer of 5E1 (anti-Shh antibody) to mouse embryos. 5E1 induced abnormal rugae patterning characterized by a spotted shape of palatal ridge rather than a stripe. The expression patterns of Shh and Shh-related genes, Sostdc1, Lef1 and Ptch1, were disrupted following 5E1 injection. Moreover, rugae-specific cell proliferation and inter-rugae-specific apoptosis were affected by inhibition of Shh signaling. We hypothesize that the altered gene expression patterns and the change in molecular events caused by the inhibition of Shh signaling may have induced abnormal rugae patterning. Furthermore, we propose a reaction-diffusion model generated by Wnt, Shh and Sostdc1 signaling. In this study, we show that Sostdc1, a secreted inhibitor of the Wnt pathway, is a downstream target of Shh and hypothesize that the interaction of Wnt, Shh and Sostdc1 is a pivotal mechanism controlling the spatial patterning of palatal rugae.

Palatal rugae as an individualising marker: Reliability for forensic odontology and personal identification

Personal identification is based on the comparison between ante mortem and post mortem data which can be considered unique for each individual: palatal rugae represent a useful element for such a comparison, thanks to their apparent low variability with time and unique patterns. Literature however is scarce. This pilot study aims at assessing the reliability of palatal rugae in time and at developing an identification method based on their comparison. Two casts from the upper dental arch of 39 subjects were obtained in different periods of time; at their first cast, 85.2% of patients were less than 16 years old. The second cast was performed after a period of time which varied between 4 and 65 months later than the first cast. The first cast can be taken to simulate ante mortem information, the second post mortem information. Every cast was then digitised with a scanner. In the digital images the palatal rugae were highlighted by using Adobe® Photoshop® 7.0 software; each image was coded and a comparison between "simulated" ante mortem and post mortem data was performed. In all cases ante mortem and post mortem data from the same individual were correctly matched. The study seems to indicate that this technique is highly reliable and user friendly, even on subadults, where growth processes seem not to affect the specific morphology of palatal rugae.

Determination of palatal rugae patterns among two ethnic populations of India by logistic regression analysis

Palatal rugae patterns are relatively unique to an individual and are well protected by the lips, buccal pad of fat and teeth. They are considered to be stable throughout life following completion of growth, although there is considerable debate on the matter, they can be used successfully in post mortem identification provided an antemortem record exists. Thus the aim of this study was to examine palatal rugae shape among two Indian populations and determine the accuracy in defining the Indian population using logistic regression analysis. The study comprises two groups from geographically different regions of India with basic origin from Maharashtra and Karnataka state. The sample includes 100 plaster cast equally distributed between two populations and genders with age ranging between 18 and 40 years. Impression of maxillary arch was obtained using alginate impression material and plaster cast was made. The rugae was delineated on the cast using a sharp graphite pencil under adequate light and magnification and recorded according to classification given by Kapali et al. and Thomas and Kotze (1983). Chi-Square analysis showed significant difference in wavy, circular and divergent pattern between the two populations. The straight and wavy forms were significant in logistic regression analysis. A predictive value of 71% was obtained in determining the original cases correctly when straight, wavy, curved and circular patterns were assessed. 70% of predictive value was achieved when all rugae patterns were assessed. Mean number of rugae was greater in females compared to males with straight pattern showing statistically significant difference between males and females. Significant difference was recorded among straight, wavy, circular and divergent pattern between two populations. Consequently this study demonstrates moderate accuracy of palatal rugae pattern using logistic regression analysis in identification of Indians.

Morphological study of the palatal rugae in western Indian population

The aim of this study was to identify and compare the different morphological rugae patterns in males and females of western Indian population, which may be an additional method of identification in cases of crimes or aircraft accidents. A total of 108 plaster casts, equally distributed between the sexes and belonging to similar age-group, were examined for different biometric characteristics of the palatal rugae including number, shape, length, direction and unification and their incidence recorded. Association between these rugae biometric characteristics and sex were tested using chi-square analysis and statistical descriptors were identified for each of these parameters using the SPSS 15.0. The study revealed a statistically significant difference in the total number of rugae between the two sexes ( P = 0.000). The different types of rugae between the males and females were statistically compared. The female showed a highly significant difference in the sinuous ( P = 0.002) and primary type ( P = 0.000) while the male had a significant difference in the unification ( P = 0.005). The predominant direction of the rugae was found to be forward relative to backward. It may be concluded that the rugae pattern can be an additional method of differentiation between the male and female in conjunction with the other methods such as visual, fingerprints, and dental characteristics in forensic sciences.

Evaluation of a digital methodology for human identification using palatal rugoscopy

Palatal rugoscopy, or palatoscopy, is the process by which human identification can be obtained by inspecting the transverse palatal rugae inside the mouth. Aim: This study evaluated a digital method for human identification using palatoscopy, by comparing photographs of the palate against the images of cast models of the maxilla photographed with and without highlighting of the palatal rugae. Methods: Condensation silicone impressions were made from the upper arches of 30 adult subjects of both genders and their palates were then photographed. The first impression was made with heavy silicone, the second impression with light silicone, and then the models were cast in improved type IV dental stone. The casts were photographed, the palatal rugae of each one were highlighted with a pencil, and then the models were photographed again. Using a free image-editing software, the digital photographs were overlapped over the images of the palatal rugae of the models with and without highlighting of the palatal rugae, in order to identify the pairs. Results: The result of overlapping the digital photographs with the images of the models without highlighted palatal rugae resulted in 90% positive identification. For the overlapping of the digital photographs with the images of models with highlighted palatal rugae, there was 100% positive identification. Conclusions: The digital method evaluated in this study was proven effective for human identification.