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Background: In post-mortem scenarios, often it is a very difficult process to establish a person's identity. Rugae are unique in that they are protected from trauma as they are insulated from heat by tongue and buccal pad of fat unlike fingerprint or lip print that is prone to destruction. Aim and Objectives: This study was aimed to compare the palatal rugae among people of different races. The sole objectives of the study were to assess the predominant pattern in the selected groups, reliability of rugae pattern in personal identification, to evaluate reliability of sex determination and to compare the total number of rugae on right and left sides of the palate among the males and females. Study Design: A total of 90 subjects were enrolled into the study and divided into three groups that are African, Dravidian and Mongoloid population. Shapes of rugae present were analyzed according to the classification given by Kapali et al. (1997) and Thomas & Kotze (1983). Result: The predominant rugae shape in African and Dravidian population was wavy pattern, whereas Mongoloid race was predominant in curve pattern. African and Dravidian males were predominant in wavy pattern when compared to Mongoloid males where unification type was more predominant. Conclusion: A statistically significant association between the rugae shape in three populations exists, although subtle yet definite.

Background: In post‑mortem scenarios, often it is a very difficult process to establish a person’s identity. Rugae are unique in that they are protected from trauma as they are insulated from heat by tongue and buccal pad of fat unlike fingerprint or lip print that is prone to destruction. Aim and Objectives: This study was aimed to compare the palatal rugae among people of different races. The sole objectives of the study were to assess the predominant pattern in the selected groups, reliability of rugae pattern in personal identification, to evaluate reliability of sex determination and to compare the total number of rugae on right and left sides of the palate among the males and females. Study Design: A total of 90 subjects were enrolled into the study and divided into three groups that are African, Dravidian and Mongoloid population. Shapes of rugae present were analyzed according to the classification given by Kapali et al. (1997) and Thomas & Kotze (1983). Result: The predominant rugae shape in African and Dravidian population was wavy pattern, whereas Mongoloid race was predominant in curve pattern. African and Dravidian males were predominant in wavy pattern when compared to Mongoloid males where unification type was more predominant. Conclusion: A statistically significant association between the rugae shape in three populations exists, although subtle yet definite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The palatal rugae contribute to oral swallowing, taste perception, and speech. From a forensic point of view, the distinctive morphology of these structures can be used to support human identification. However, the morphology of the rugae may be altered by trauma or therapeutic interventions in the palate. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the morphology of the palatal rugae before and after orthodontic treatment performed with and without maxillary expansion and dental extractions. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 60 dental casts taken before (n = 30) and after (n = 30) orthodontic treatment from patients aged >18 years. The patients were treated with rapid maxillary expansion by using Haas appliance (n = 10), by extracting the maxillary first premolars (n = 10) and by using only conventional fixed orthodontic appliances (n = 10). All the dental casts were analyzed twice by two independent examiners that were blind for the type of treatment. Results: All the differences between groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05). More alterations in the morphology of the palatal rugae were observed in patients treated with rapid maxillary expansion, whereas few alterations were performed in patients treated with no maxillary expansion or dental extractions. Conclusion: The use of palatal rugae for forensic purposes must be avoided in patients that underwent invasive orthodontic treatments, such as those founded on maxillary expansion and dental extractions.

Background: The palatal rugae contribute to oral swallowing, taste perception, and speech. From a forensic point of view, the distinctive morphology of these structures can be used to support human identification. However, the morphology of the rugae may be altered by trauma or therapeutic interventions in the palate.Objective: This study aimed to analyze the morphology of the palatal rugae before and after orthodontic treatment performed with and without maxillary expansion and dental extractions.Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 60 dental casts taken before (n = 30) and after (n = 30) orthodontic treatment from patients aged >18 years. The patients were treated with rapid maxillary expansion by using Haas appliance (n = 10), by extracting the maxillary first premolars (n = 10) and by using only conventional fixed orthodontic appliances (n = 10). All the dental casts were analyzed twice by two independent examiners that were blind for the type of treatment.Results: All the differences between groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05). More alterations in the morphology of the palatal rugae were observed in patients treated with rapid maxillary expansion, whereas few alterations were performed in patients treated with no maxillary expansion or dental extractions.Conclusion: The use of palatal rugae for forensic purposes must be avoided in patients that underwent invasive orthodontic treatments, such as those founded on maxillary expansion and dental extractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Establishing a person′s identity in postmortem scenarios can be a very difficult process. Dental records, fingerprint and DNA comparisons are probably the most common techniques used in this context, allowing fast and reliable identification processes. However, under certain circumstances they cannot always be used; sometimes it is necessary to apply different and less known techniques. In forensic identification, lip prints and palatal rugae patterns can lead us to important information and help in a person′s identification. This study aims to ascertain the use of lip prints and palatal rugae pattern in identification and sex differentiation. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 subjects, 50 males and 50 females were selected from among the students of Subharti Dental College, Meerut. The materials used to record lip prints were lipstick, bond paper, cellophane tape, a brush for applying the lipstick, and a magnifying lens. To study palatal rugae, alginate impressions were taken and the dental casts analyzed for their various patterns. Results: Statistical analysis (applying Z-test for proportion) showed significant difference for type I, I′, IV and V lip patterns (P < 0.05) in males and females, while no significant difference was observed for the same in the palatal rugae patterns (P > 0.05). Conclusion: This study not only showed that palatal rugae and lip prints are unique to an individual, but also that lip prints is more reliable for recognition of the sex of an individual.