Palatal Rugae Patterns Research Articles

The Heritability of Palatal Rugae Morphology Among Siblings*†

Although there is clinical applicability of the palatal rugae as an identification tool in forensic odontology, controversy exists whether the palatal rugae patterns are stable or variable. The greater the genetic component, the higher the probability that palatal rugae patterns are stable. The aim of this study was to compare the palatal rugae morphology between full siblings and the proportion of variability due to genetic component. This cross-sectional study was conducted on digital models of 162 siblings aged 15-30years old. The palatal rugae patterns were assessed with Thomas and Kotze (1983) classification using Geomagic Studio software (3D Systems, Rock Hill, SC). The palatal rugae morphology between siblings showed significantly similar characteristics for total number of left rugae (p=0.001), left primary rugae (p=0.017), secondary rugae for right (p=0.024) and left sides (p=0.001), right straight rugae (p=0.010), and right convergent rugae (p=0.005) accounting for at least 6.25%-12.8% of the variability due to heredity. Despite the similarities found, the palatal rugae patterns showed significant differences between siblings of at least 46.9% (p=0.001). Zero heritability was found in 9 of the 14 rugae patterns. Meanwhile, total number of rugae, primary, backward, and convergent rugae showed moderate heritability (h2 >0.3) and total number of secondary rugae showed high heritability (h2 >0.6). In conclusion, despite the individuality characteristics, an appreciable hereditary component is observed with significant similarities found between sibling pairs and the palatal rugae patterns were both environmentally and genetically influenced.

Association of Rugae Pattern with Skeletal Malocclusion in Orthodontic Patients Visiting Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: The palatal rugae are special constructions that are inalterable in their position and pattern during the lifestyles of an individual. This imparts them an exceptional role in the forensic dentistry and may play potential role in malocclusion identification. This study was aimed to see association of rugae pattern with sagittal skeletal malocclusion in orthodontic patients visiting tertiary care hospital. Methods: This cross-sectional examination was completed on pretreatment records (lateral Cephalometric radiographs and maxillary dental casts) of 384 subjects at the orthodontic department of Ziauddin Dental Hospital, Karachi. The study duration was from January to July 2019. The samples were sub-divided into three sagittal skeletal groups based on ANB angle proposed by Steiner’s on lateral Cephalometric radiographs (Class I with ANB angle between 0° to 4°; Class II: ANB angle greater than 5°; Class III: ANB angle less than 0°). The shapes of three most-anterior primary rugae were then evaluated bilaterally using Kapali et al., Classification. Chi Square test was applied to find association of rugae pattern among sagittal skeletal malocclusions groups. Results: Circular and curved rugae shapes were the most prevalent in all skeletal malocclusions. The primary palatal rugae pattern was seen to be significantly different among three skeletal malocclusion groups (p<0.05). The right and left sided palatal rugae pattern showed significant difference in all three skeletal malocclusion groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: The present study showed no specific palatal rugae pattern associated with sagittal skeletal malocclusion. Further studies on larger sample and use of modern 3D technologies to scan the maxillary casts are required for results that are more precise.

Role of Rugoscopy and Dactyloscopy in Predilection of Dental Caries in Childern

Background: Dental caries being the commonest infection of tooth can be related to hereditary and environmental factors as well. Rugoscopy and Dactyloscopy can be choosen as a genetic marker for diagnosis of many diseases related to genetic disorder. Hence determining the pattern of dermal ridge and palatal rugae also plays a role in predilection of the dental caries in children. Aim: To determine the pattern of the dermal ridge and palatal rugae in caries–free and caries–active children and correlating it to predict the dental caries . Methodology: 20 children (5-12years old) with dental caries were scored based on DEF index. Rugoscopy and Dactyloscopy was performed using Thomaz and Kotze method and Galton’s method respectively. The datas were statistically analyzed for predilection of dental caries in these subjects. Results: The results indicates that there is a definite correlation between the dermal ridge patterns, palatal rugae patterns and dental caries in children. Conclusion: Dermatoglyphics and Rugoscopy can be used as a screening method to provide adequate preventive treatment to children showing a higher caries risk as detected by the hand ridge patterns and palatal rugae pattern

The potential role of palatal rugae pattern in sex determination among an adult Egyptian population sample

Abstract Background Sex determination is the first step in personal identification in the forensic field. Participants and Methods The study sample included 200 participants of equal number of both sexes in the age group between 20 and 30 years. They were collected from the outpatient clinics of the Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine, Cairo University after taking their informed consent. Maxillary arch impression was taken, with an alginate impression material using a stainless steel impression tray, for subsequent palatal rugae study. Results The mean number of primary palatal rugae was more than the secondary rugae, the wavy rugae were the most predominant type followed by the straight rugae. There was a highly statistically significant difference between males and females with a higher male values regarding the total palatal rugae number, wavy rugae number and primary rugae number while, there was a highly statistically significant difference with higher female values regarding the straight rugae numbers. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between age and primary palatal rugae number. An Egyptian equation was constructed using discriminant function analysis to determine the sex of an unidentified person. Conclusion Palatal rugae pattern study is a useful science for sex determination in the forensic field.

Palatoscopy and odontometrics' potential role in sex determination among an adult Egyptian population sample: A pilot study.

Background: Sex determination is the first step in personal identification in the forensic field. This study aimed to evaluate sexual dimorphism by using palatal rugae pattern and odontometrics, construct an Egyptian equation for sex determination using the discriminant function analysis. Participants and methods: The study sample included 200 participants of both sexes. Maxillary arch impressions were taken with alginate impression material using stainless steel impression tray. Identification and measurements were done to study the palatal rugae pattern, dental arch dimensions, and maxillary canine. Results: There was a highly statistically significant difference between males and females with higher male values regarding the total palatal rugae number, wavy rugae number, primary rugae number, arch length, width, maxillary canine right width, maxillary canine left width, intercanine distance, and maxillary canine right index while there was a highly statistically significant difference with higher female value regarding the straight rugae numbers. Four Egyptian equations were constructed using discriminant function analysis to determine the sex of an unidentified person. Conclusions: Palatal rugae pattern, dental arch dimensions, and maxillary canine index can be considered as useful tools for sex determination in the forensic field.

Original Article-Correlation and Comparison of Cheiloscopy, Dactyloscopy and Palatoscopy with Blood Groups among Dental Students From Western Maharashtra

Personal identification is of paramount importance in the forensic odontology for ethical, humanitarian and criminal investigations. In forensic odontology, scientific methods using DNA is considered to be the gold standard method of identification; however, it’s expensive and time-consuming approach have circumvented the need for less expensive and faster methods of identification. The latest inexpensive approach of quantifying evidences for identification of suspect in crime is using lip print, fingerprint, palatal rugae & blood grouping and this has gained tremendous importance in the present days. Hence, the aim of the present study is to correlate and compare Cheiloscopy, Dactyloscopy and Palatoscopy with blood group and Rh factor. Method: A total of 200 dental students between the age group18 to 25 years were included in the study. Lip print, finger print and palatal rugae patterns with ABO blood groups were collected and compared using Chi square test. The data was analysed using SPSS version 10.0 statistical package. Results & Conclusion: Statistically significant correlation existed between lip print and ABO-Rh factors (?2statistic = 37.56, p value <0.05) and between finger prints and ABO-Rh factors (?2 statistic = 30.6, p value < 0.05). No association was found between palatal rugae with ABO-Rhesus blood groups (?2 statistic = 17.71, p value >0.05).

Palatal rugae patterns as an adjunct in gender identification

Palatal rugae pattern of an individual may be considered as a practical adjunct for gender determination in identification of an individual for forensic medicine. Palatal rugae possess distinct traits of an ideal forensic parameter like uniqueness, postmortem resistance, and stability. The present study describes sexual dimorphism using palatal rugae pattern. A total number of 200 subjects in the age range of 17 to 25 years were studied with the help of study casts for palatal rugae pattern. Sexual dimorphism was assessed using statistical analysis. The p-value was calculated using Chi- square test. Results showed prominent converging rugae pattern in females as compared to males which showed prominence of curved rugae pattern. Keywords: Dimorphism, Forensic, Palatal rugae.

Malocclusion: An adjunctive aid in individual identification.

Introduction:Cheiloscopy and dactyloscopy have long been the most commonly used methods for forensic investigations. Orthodontists perform numerous diagnostic procedures, which include radiographs, photographs and impressions of the teeth and palate for the evaluation of malocclusion. The data recorded by them provide immense information about a patient. Fingerprints, lip prints and palatal rugae have been considered the most stable, reliable, imitable, convenient, cost-effective and time-friendly modes of investigating crime and other purposes.Aim:The main aim of this study is to correlate cheiloscopy, fingerprint pattern and palatoscopy to skeletal Class I sagittal jaw relationship and to include cheiloscopy, fingerprint pattern assessment and palatoscopy in routine orthodontic investigation procedures as an adjunct procedure in individual identification.Methods:Fingerprints, lip prints, palatal rugae pattern and lateral cephalograms of 37 skeletal Class I patients were obtained using standardized procedures.Results:In Class I skeletal malocclusion, the maximum number of patients exhibited ulnar loop dermal pattern, Type 1 and Type 2 lip patterns and a wavy rugae pattern (Kapali et al. primary classification).Conclusion:Orthodontists prepare various antemortem records for diagnostic purposes, i.e., photographs, the impression of the teeth and palate, lateral cephalograms, orthopantomograms and hand-wrist radiographs. If orthodontists recorded additional data of finger and lip prints, the archives of an orthodontist would be of tremendous profit to forensic sciences in individual identification.

The medicolegal importance of establishing human identity by using dactyloscopy and rugoscopy: A comparative study.

Background:Palatal rugae are irregular and asymmetric mesenchymal ridges that extend in a lateral direction away from the incisive papilla and mid-palatine raphe. Their unique characteristics and environmental stableness justify their inclusion in forensic investigations. Dermatoglyphics or fingerprint patterns are epidermal ridges, which are genetically controlled and are specific to an individual. Hence they are used as a forensic tool.Objectives:The study aimed to assess the reliability of Rugoscopic and Dermatoglyphic patterns for gender identification.Materials and Methods:A total of 200 subjects were recruited in this prospective study. All subjects were between the age range of 18 and 55 years. The subjects were categorized into 100 males and 100 females. Fingerprint dermatoglyphic patterns were recorded using stamp pad, ink, and A4 size white sheets. A subject's fingers were pressed onto the stamped ink pad and lightly pressed over a sheet of paper. Obtained patterns were coded and analyzed as per Galton's criteria into arch, loop, and whorl patterns. Palatal rugae patterns were obtained by making alginate impression material and impression trays. Obtained casts were analyzed for rugae pattern analysis using Kapali's classification. An unpaired t test was used as a statistical tool.Results:On analyzing dermatoglyphic patterns, the arch pattern was most common among male subjects, whereas loop pattern was found to be most common among females. On rugoscopic pattern analysis, Straight pattern was most frequent among males, whereas the circular pattern was common among females.Conclusion:A statistically significant difference was noted between gender and rugoscopic patterns (P = 0.02) and dermatoglyphic patterns (P = 0.03).

Palatal Rugae Patterns in Forensic Identification

Palatal rugae (rugae palatinae or plicae palatinae transversae) refer to a series of transverse ridges on the anterior part of the palatal mucosa on each side of the median palatal raphe and behind the incisive papillae. Palatoscopy or palatal rugoscopy is the study of palatal rugae in order to establish a person's identity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 100 healthy subjects, 50 males and 50 females were randomly selected. All subjects were of Indian origin, aged 20 years and above. Impressions were made and poured with type III dental stone. The palatal rugae patterns were highlighted using black graphite pencil on the cast and were analyzed following the classification of Martin dos Santos. RESULTS: Each individual had an unique rugae pattern. Curve form (34%) of rugae was the most common in both males and females whereas none of the casts exhibited the point form of rugae. Following the curve form, the sinuous form was common in males and line form was common in females. CONCLUSION: Palatal rugae can be used as an effective tool in forensic identification. Its internal position, antemortem resistance, uniqueness, and regional variation provide a potentially reliable source of identification to the researchers.

Study of Palatal Rugae Pattern among population of Mewar and Hadoti Region

Objectives: Whenever there is a loss of a tooth, palatal rugae (PR) is suggested as an alternative technique for personal identification. The present study was carried to determine area-specific uniqueness of the rugae pattern among the population of Mewar and Hadoti region by evaluating the number and shape of the rugae pattern and its variation among genders of the same population. Materials and Method: Study included 500 subjects (250 males and 250 females) aged between 17 and 25 years as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The rugae pattern was classified based on their length, shape, direction, and unification proposed by Lysell (1955) and later modified by Thomas and Kotze (1983). The observations recorded were evaluated for their statistical significance and specificity using unpaired t-test. Results: Total number of rugae on the right side in both genders was 2089 showing a significant difference between males and females and on the left side, the total number was 2088 not showing a statistically significant difference between genders. The wavy pattern was the most predominant pattern, followed by curved and straight patterns. The wavy pattern was found to be significant between males and females. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated the difference in PR distribution and uniqueness in different individuals and the importance of studying the characteristics based on ethnicity. Also, we can say that gender can be determined using a wavy pattern.

Palatal Rugae Pattern in Korean Children and Adolescents

Palatal Rugae Pattern in Korean Children and Adolescents

Arch Length and Palatal Rugae: An Adjunct in Gender Discrimination

Abstract Introduction Palatal rugae or plica palatine are the finger prints of the oral cavity and the arch length varies between males and females. These two parameters constitute an integral part of the anthropometric studies in the realms of dentistry as well as forensic odontology. The aim of this study was to assess whether any relationship existed between the upper arch length and the rugae pattern and whether these two parameters showed any gender differentiation. Materials and Methods The sample consisted of upper and lower study models of 60 subjects (30 males and 30 females). Arch lengths were measured using a brass wire and rugae were traced on the dental casts and assessed by applying the Thomas and Kotze classification (1983). The data collected was subjected to statistical analysis. Results The results showed that the maxillary and mandibular arch length dimensions were higher in males than in females; however, the differences were found to be statistically insignificant. The assessment of rugae pattern showed that the male subjects had a higher number of rugae. The differences in rugae pattern distribution for male and female subjects were found to be statistically significant. Conclusion The palatal rugae pattern and maxillary arch length can be used as an additional method in differentiating gender between human population groups.

Morphology of the palate, palatal rugae pattern, and dental arch form in patients with schizophrenia.

This study aimed to investigate the morphology of the palate, palatal rugae pattern, and dental arch form in patients with schizophrenia. An observational case-control study was designed following the STROBE statement and checklist. The sample consisted of 132 patients (39 diagnosed with schizophrenia and 93 controls). Dental casts of the patients were classified based on the pattern of their palatal rugae, their dental arch form, and the area of their palate. The palatal rugae in patients with schizophrenia had a more random distribution and shape compared to the control group (P=.027). Oval dental arches were the most prevalent in both groups (P=.473). The palate area was slightly larger in the control group (3.2318 ± 0.549 mm2 ) compared with the group of patients with schizophrenia (3.060 ± 0.470 mm2 ) (P=.090). Palatal rugae pattern may feature as a potential minor physical anomaly for schizophrenia. Additional studies with alternative sampling and classification systems are necessary to understand this finding and its applications in practice.

A Study of Palatal Rugae Patterns and Maxillary Inter-Canine Distance in a Jordanian Population Sample

The study of palatal rugae has an important role in establishing personal identity and facilitating population identification. The current work analyzed the pattern of palatal rugae among an adult Jordanian population and searched for any gender differences. A total of 100 random dental casts were included in this study. Number and pattern of palatal rugae regarding length, shape, direction, and unification of rugae were identified. In addition, measurement of maxillary intercanine widths (MIW) using digital Vernier caliper was done. Palatal rugae on the right side outnumbered those on the left side. Males had more rugae in general than females. The commonest rugae in both sexes were serpiginous. Primary and forward rugae showed the highest frequency. A diverging form of unification was more prevalent than a converging form. Apart from a total number of convergent, divergent and secondary rugae, the total number of other rugae differs significantly between males and females. The study showed characteristics of palatal rugae in a Jordanian population which could be gender specific, facilitating their identification. It revealed the presence of sexual dimorphism, and sex can be predicted using either logistic regression equation or CART model.

Estimation of the individuality of the palatal rugae pattern

ABSTRACT Although the palatal rugae pattern (PRP) is unique, it is not used in automated biometric systems such as fingerprints and irises. The aim of this study was to identify PRP parameters and formulate a model that determines the probability of correspondence (PC) of the PRP. In all, 154 dental casts were scanned in 3D, and the number of rugae, their characteristics, strength and area of the palate were recorded. With these parameters, a statistical model was developed and the PC of the PRP was calculated. For a palate with six rugae and an average palatal area of 1453.9 mm2, the PC of the PRP is 1.29 × 10–74, which is very low. Therefore, the PRP is unique and has an enormous amount of discriminatory information that can be useful for automated biometric systems in forensics and human identification.

Association between Direction Patterns of Palatal Rugae and Thumbprints: Implications for Forensic Identification Thumbprints: Implications for Forensic Identific

Palatal rugae have been proven to be useful as a means of individual identification. As there are no antemortem data about palatal rugae, they have to be connected with other indicators, such as fingerprints with available antemortem data. Objectives: To assess the association of the direction patterns of palatal rugae prints and thumbprints in the Deutero-Malay sub-race to improve forensic identification. Methods: Palatal rugae intraoral photos and thumbprints scans were from 193 Deutero-Malay individuals aged between 18–25 years (170 female, 23 male). ImageJ and Adobe software was used to identify direction patterns of the palatal rugae and thumbprints. Results: An antero-posterior direction was the most common direction pattern among right (64.17%) and left (49.26%) palatal rugae and right (58.12%) and left (56.02%) thumbprints. An association with small effect size was found between first right palatal rugae and right thumbprint (p-value = 0.024; Cramer’s V = 0.181) and with medium effect size between second left palatal rugae and left thumbprint (p-value = 0.000; Cramer’s V = 0.332). Conclusion: There is a significant association between the direction patterns of palatal rugae and thumbprints. This finding may lead to the development of a new effective technique in forensic odontology identification.

Characteristics of Palatal Rugae Patterns as a Potential Tool for Sex Discrimination in a Sample of Iranian Children

Statement of the Problem: Palatal rugae have been considered equivalent to fingerprints, as they are unique to each individual. It has been shown that palatal rugae are associated with specific racial groups and are known to aid sex identification. Due to the lack of any published data on palatal rugae morphology on Iranian children, the present study was performed. Purpose: The present study aimed to investigate differences in the morphology of individual palatal in a sample of Iranian children. Additionally, it is intended to develop discriminant function to identify sex, based on rugae morphology. Materials and Method: A total of 120 pre-orthodontic casts were evaluated for different rugae patterns using the Thomas and Kotze classification. The casts were equally distributed between sexes with an age range of 6-12 years. Rugae length, shape, and associated morphology were recorded and the independent t-test and Chi-square test were used to compare the mean and relationship between the attributes. The discriminant function analysis was applied to the data in order to determine the applicability of palatal rugae patterns as an aid for sex identification. Results:While the total rugae count showed an insignificant difference between the males and females, the rugae count on the right side of the palates showed a significant difference (p= 0.046). The primary rugae were most common in both sexes, followed by the secondary and fragmentary rugae. The most prevalent rugae shape between both sexes was the wavy rugae followed by the curve and straight shapes in males and the straight and curve shapes in females. A significant difference was observed in the number of the curve rugae between the sexes. Discriminant function analysis allowed sex differentiation with an accuracy of 60.8%. Conclusion: Palatal rugae shapes are unique to each individual and could be used as a potential tool for sex identification. Further research on a larger sample is required to fully confirm the application of this method (e.g. in forensic medicine) as a complementary technique for sex identification.

The association between palatal rugae pattern and dental malocclusion.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Palatal rugae complete its development during early intrauterine life, whereas dental malocclusions in permanent dentition establishes several years into the post-natal life. Objective: The objective of present study was to determine if there is an association between the palatal rugae pattern and Angle’s classes of malocclusion. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on pretreatment dental casts of 184 patients. The sample was divided into the following groups: Class I, Class II div. 1, Class II div. 2, and Class III. The number of palatal rugae was recorded, bilaterally. The length, pattern and orientation of three anterior-most primary rugae on both sides were recorded. Results: The mean age of the study sample was 17.8 ± 5.4 years. The mean number of the palatal rugae was 11.18 ± 2.5, with significant differences among different malocclusion groups. The length of the first rugae on left side and third rugae on both sides varied significantly among the groups (p< 0.05). Similarly, the pattern of palatal rugae was also found to be significantly different among the malocclusion groups. The right sided rugae did not have any significant difference in the orientation in different malocclusion groups; however, the left sided rugae showed significant differences among the four malocclusion groups (p< 0.001). Conclusions: The current study showed subtle differences in the palatal rugae pattern among the Angle’s classes of malocclusion. Similarly, the length and orientation of some rugae were also found to be significantly different between malocclusion groups.

Morphological analysis of various rugae patterns among Dravidian population.

Aim:The aim of this study was to analyze and identify differences in the palatal rugae patterns and genderwise distributions in three different populations (Kerala, Mahe and Puducherry).Materials and Methods:Ninety maxillary study models (30 from each group including males and females) were examined in the age group ranging from 18 to 25 years. The palatal rugae pattern was analyzed for shape.Results:After analyzing the rugae patterns among the groups, the most common pattern was the wavy pattern (53.57%) followed by curved (18.22%) and straight (13.66%). The least was circular (1.3%). When compared between sex, the most common pattern was found to be wavy (male – 54.3% and female – 53.09%), while the curved pattern was more common among the females (21.09%) than males (13.97%). The straight pattern was more common among the males (18.8%) than females (10.18%). The least common pattern was found to be the circular in both sexes which accounted for around 1%.Conclusion:This study shows no two palates are identical in terms of their rugae pattern. Palatal rugae possess unique characteristics as they are absolutely individualistic. Study also confirms that the “wavy” type of palatal rugae pattern was the most predominant among these three populations.