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Background: Palatal rugae are asymmetrical elevations present on hard palate and are significant due to their uniqueness, stability and thus, aid in forensic identification. Objective: The objective is to determine palatal rugae morphology between parents and their offsprings and to determine their genetic inheritance. Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled cross-sectional single-blinded study was conducted on 50 families (randomly selected) who visited Vyas Dental College and Hospital. A total of 150 maxillary study models were examined and rugae were delineated and shape, size, and pattern of rugae were recorded. Results: Weak butsignificant correlation wasseen in the nonspecific and angular type of palatal rugae between child and mother and child and father as P < 0.05. Matching with either or both of their parent was seen for curved, wavy, divergent, straight, horseshoe, angular, and nonspecific type of rugae with the higher % of wavy pattern matching (52% with mother and 54% with father). A considerable number of samples showed high heritability of primary and secondary rugae from both parents, but more predominantly to their mothers (branched, nonspecific, and straight). Conclusion: Both environmental and genetic factors can influence the rugae pattern. Further, studies should be conducted on a larger sample size to get more significant results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Context: The study of palatal rugae forms an important basis of human identification, especially due to mass disasters where routinely used techniques may not be helpful. Aims: This study aimed at evaluating the palatal rugae and incisive papilla on the basis of shape. Settings and Design: The study was conducted in 280 individuals (males and females) among dental students of Dayananda Sagar College of Dental Sciences. Materials and Methods: The study included 280 students from Dayananda Sagar College and out-patients from the orthodontics department. Pictures of rugae and the incisive papilla were taken from individuals aged 10–36 using a camera, mirror, and lighting. Two investigators analysed the shape of the rugae and incisive papilla using classification systems by Thomas and Kotze, and Ortman and Tsao, respectively. Statistical Analysis Used: The data were statistically analysed using SPSS 20.0 software, and a significance level of P ≤ 0.05 was used. Results: The results suggested that rugae showing a wavy shape were the most common pattern in both the genders. Significant differences were observed in the curved rugae type between males and females. In incisive papillae evaluation, the pear shape was the most common, with the triangular shape being the least common. Conclusions: It can be concluded that evaluation of palatal rugae along with the incisive papilla can be an important tool for identification of an individual and for evaluating various ethnic populations. [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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the incidence and prevalence of palatal rugae shapes in the male and female populations of Karnataka and Kerala. Materials and Methods: This study consisted of 100 plaster models of each group, which were equally distributed between both the genders, with an age range of 17-23 years. The rugae patterns were recorded by using Thomas and Kotze classification. Correlation between the rugae shape and population as well as the rugae shape and gender were analyzed using chi-square analysis and discriminant function analysis using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version 22 (IBM Corp). Results: Curved, straight, and wavy rugae patterns were the most common in both Kerala and Karnataka sample populations. Chi-square analysis showed significant differences between the populations for the curved pattern; discriminant function analysis showed significant differences between the populations for the curved and straight patterns. Significant gender differences were found in the curved pattern for Karnataka population and in unification patterns for both populations by Chi-square/Fischer exact test. Conclusions: The curved and straight rugae patterns were significantly more frequent in the Kerala population compared to the Karnataka population. Because of the limited sample size of this study, further cross-sectional studies are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background of the study: Human identification is a challenging aspect in forensic odontology. There are different methods for identification of an individual, such as finger prints, dental records and lip prints. The palatal rugae may also be considered an alternative method for identification as once formed in the embryo, their shape and consistency will be maintained throughout the life of an individual. Aims and Objectives: The present study is conducted to analyze the difference in shape and number of palatal rugae and compare the gender dissimilarities in the major rugae pattern prevalent in Costal Andhra and Telangana populations. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 persons in the age range of 17-25 years (Costal Andhra 50 and Telangana 50) were selected for the study and casts were prepared. Rugae were recorded based on the shape as wavy, curved, straight, circular, divergent and convergent. The results were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.01 statistical package. Results: Average number of rugae pattern in males was slightly more when compared with females. Curved rugae pattern were more in Costal Andhra and statistically significant (P ≥ 0.001). There was no significant association between the rugae shape and population group studied. Divergent and wavy rugae patterns were more in males compared to females in both groups. Conclusion: Rugae were more in number in Costal Andhra when compared to Telangana population. Wavy pattern were more in Telangana population when compared with Costal Andhra population. This is only preliminary study using geographically similar population and requires further studies on a larger sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: "The fibers running anteroposteriorly within the core and in concentric curves across the base of each rugae" 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Palatorugoscopy is the term used to study the rugae patterns. The word rugae came from the Greek word seam. Moreover, it relates the crisscrossing or joining or stitching of the parts of two biological structures during fetal differentiation. The aim of this study is to determine the gender difference in rugae pattern with regard to length, number, shape, unification and direction in the population of Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan. Objective: The objective is to determine the gender difference in rugae pattern with regard to length, number, shape, unification and direction; to investigate the difference in division of rugae in males and females and to compare rugae pattern in males and females of different age group. Materials and Methods: This study included 100 subjects, in which 50 were males (Group A) and other 50 were females (Group B). After the formation of primary cast, all quantitative as well as qualitative characteristics of palatal rugae patterns were recorded. Mainly, two classifications were used in this study, Thomas et al. and Kapali et al. Statistical Analysis: Student t-test was used, and "P" value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A statistically significant value was found in left-sided palatal rugae patterns depending upon the size, where we found that primary rugae were more in males. On comparing the angulation of palatal rugae patterns of left-sided rugae, a statistically significant value was found among the negative angulation which was higher in male subjects. Next, while comparing the angulation of palatal rugae of right side, we found a statistically significant value among zero (perpendicular rugae), which was more in male population. On comparing the unification of right-sided rugae patterns, we found that divergent rugae were more in male subjects. Conclusion: Palatal rugae patterns act as individualistic, and are unique patterns, and are helpful in determining the human gender. Further, more studies are required on palatal rugae patterns used in forensics on large population scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dental identification plays a major role in mass disaster identification of human remains. Palatal rugae can be used as a substitute for a comparative method of identification. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was done with 137 pre- and post-orthodontically treated casts of patients, which were divided into 50 cases each of extraction and nonextraction and 37 cases of palatal expansion involving both extraction and nonextraction. Hydrocolloid (alginate) impression of the upper jaw of the patient was taken and then cast in the dental plaster of Paris material. Palatal rugae pattern was classified according to Lysellm, and Thomas and Kotze classification. Two Observers recorded the data, mean of two were taken for analysis. Results: On the right side, there was no significant difference between the extraction and nonextraction groups; however, there was a rise in length in the nonextraction and palatal expansion groups. On the left side, there was little change between the nonextraction and palatal expansion groups, but the extraction group had a modest increase in length. Mean lengths compared within three groups revealed insignificant difference. Conclusion: Palatal rugae pattern can be used in establishing identity in forensic medicine provided antemortem data are available. Orthodontic treatment has an impact on stability of palatal rugae. Most reliable and stable points being third rugae, they could be used as reference points to evaluate tooth movements [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Palatal rugae (PR) are asymmetrical and irregular elevations of the mucosa in the anterior third of the palate, arranged in a transverse direction from the palatine raphe located in the mid-sagittal plane. When identification of an individual by other methods is difficult, PR may be considered as an alternative source of information enabling the search field to be narrowed. Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this short study is to check for changes in rugae pattern in pre- and post-orthodontically-treated patients using manual technique and software-assisted techniques, subject them to statistical analysis and compare the efficacy of both the techniques. Materials and Methods: Fifty cases each of pre- and post-orthodontically-treated patients casts, divider, scale and Fiji software. Landmarks on the maxillary cast; the mid palatine raphe; and medial and lateral points of first, second and third ruga were marked. Length of each ruga, the inter-ruga distance and distance of each ruga from the mid palatine raphae were measured manually using divider and scale and with the help of Fiji software. Results: The present study showed significant change in rugae pattern in post-orthodontically-treated patients. Manual Method: Statistically significant values were obtained in relation to length of first ruga (P - value: 0.005), second ruga (P - value: 0.007) and third ruga (P - value: 0.002). Statistically significant values were obtained in relation to inter-ruga distance between first and second rugae (P - value: 0.002) and between first and third rugae (P - value: 0.003). Software Method: No significant values were obtained using this method. In addition our study showed that manual method was comparatively better than software-assisted method, which probably attributes to the measurements recorded in three dimensions. Conclusion: Though PR are unique to every individual, past dental history at the time of autopsy should be considered as changes in PR pattern can be seen in post-orthodontically treated patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palatal rugae play an important role in the production of palato lingual sounds. A simple inexpensive method for carving palatal rugae in complete dentures has been described here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]