Search

Aim To evaluate accuracy of tooth movements with in-house clear aligners. Methods This prospective clinical study included 30 participants for anterior clear aligners with crowding not exceeding 4 mm. per arch, non-extraction cases with no changes in posterior relationship. Aligners were created with OrthoAnalyzerTM software, attachments were placed as needed and IPR was performed in required areas. The final stage of tooth movement was compared with predicted tooth movement by superimposition of the two STL models. Maxillary arch was superimposed on stable posterior teeth and best fit on palatal rugae while mandibular arch was superimposed on unmoved posterior teeth. The amount of differences in predicted and achieved tooth movements were compared. Six types of tooth movement were included in the comparison which were labial, lingual, mesiodistal, intrusion, extrusion and rotation. Results Total sample consisted of 259 anterior teeth (126 maxillary, 133 mandibular). The achieved tooth movements were significantly lesser than the predicted tooth movements in all the six types of tooth movement. Overall accuracy of tooth movement with clear aligner was 56.18%. The most accurate tooth movement was mesiodistal (72.33%). The least accurate movement was intrusion (43.28%). While mesiodistal, labial, rotation and lingual tooth movements were more predictable than intrusion and extrusion. Conclusion Understanding the accuracy of different tooth movements might help in case selection, treatment plan and development or increase accuracy and predictability of in-house clear aligners.

Background: Preservation of palatal rugae plays an important role in prosthetic rehabilitation and in forensic identification when the individual has no teeth either completely or partially owing to its resistance and stability. However recent studies have shown substantial rugae pattern changes are caused by tooth loss of prolonged duration. Aim: The present study was carried to compare and evaluate the effect of tooth loss on rugae pattern among completely and partially edentulous maxillary arch individuals as a reliable personal identification tool. Methodology: A total of 50 participants were divided into two groups comprising of 25 completely edentulous (Group A) and 25 partially edentulous (Group B) individuals. Impressions, maxillary casts were made and the number, type of rugae patterns were recorded using graphite pencil and tracing paper every 3 month over a period of 1year based on Martins dos Santos classification system. Results: More complex patterns (line, curve, circle, bifurcated, sinnous) are observed in Group B with significant differences between the mean values of line, bifurcated and circle pattern when compared to Group A. Simultaneously mean differences in sinnous pattern (Group A) and Sinnous, Line pattern (Group B) within the group were also seen over a period of 1 year. Conclusion: The present study thus showed significant differences in the rugae pattern between both the groups and greater changes with complex patterns were observed in partially edentulous group when compared with the complete edentulous group.

Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate the rugae pattern changes (rugae number, length, shape, direction, and unification) in completely edentulous patients treated with complete denture. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 subjects were selected for the study. The experimental group comprised 60 participants (30 males and 30 females) who had undergone complete denture treatment and the control group comprised 40 participants (20 males and 20 females) who were dentulous and patients with fixed partial denture treatment. Mucostatic maxillary alginate impressions were made for all the subjects, and casts were poured with gypsum. Patients were recalled at the regular intervals of 1, 6, and 18 months after the treatment. During those recalls, the same impression procedure was made, and all the palatal rugaes were observed for number, length, shape, direction, and unifications under magnifying lens. Changes in the palatal rugae were statistically analyzed using the unpaired t‑test. Results: A gradual decrease in the length was observed in primary, secondary, and fragmentary rugae for the experimental group after denture wearing (Group 1). Statistically, the change was significant (P < 0.001) in primary rugae only. A slight change in rugae shape was also observed in the experimental group after 18 months period of denture wearing which is statistically insignificant (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Significant decrease in primary rugae length in complete denture wearers was due to sustained mechanical stress posed by the dentures on palatal rugae. The other parameters such as rugae number, direction, and unification remained constant throughout the study. Palatal rugae analysis may not be helpful for human identification in complete denture wearers. Nevertheless, palatal rugae may serve as an adjuvant to other techniques such as DNA analysis and finger prints in forensic investigations.

BACKGROUND Palatine rugae are small transverse structures present in the anterior 2 / 3rd of the palate. These rugae are protected by various structures of the oral cavity. They are immovable structures but variations in the oral cavity may lead to alterations in these small structures. There have been many studies that have quoted changes in these rugae patterns with various tooth movements whereas various other studies demonstrate no significant changes. None of the studies in specific have mentioned about palatal rugae changes with myofunctional appliances. The objective of this research was to evaluate the palatal rugae morphology and its stability after myofunctional therapy, as expansion and movement of teeth might lead to changes in these rugae. METHODS A total of 90 maxillary casts, 30 of Class I, 30 of Class II pre-treatment and casts of same subjects after myofunctional therapy, patients age ranging between 10 and 13 years were selected for the study. Length, intermedial and interlateral distances, angle of divergence and position of rugae were studied based on Lysell Classification 1955 and Thomas and Kotze Classification 1983. RESULTS Secondary and fragmentary rugae were found to be statistically significant as they were increased in Class II samples compared to Class I. The rugae in Class II samples were found to be shorter and therefore significant results were seen. IM1, IM2, IM4, IM5 and IM6 were found to be statistically significant respectively. Similarly, IL2, IL4, IL5 and IL6 were appreciable. IM1 was found to be appreciable. IL1, IL2, IL3 and IL4 were statistically significant. Significant difference was found in mean rugae value among Class I and Class II pre-treatment groups. Statistically significant difference was found in mean rugae value among Class I and Class II pre-treatment group. Incisive papilla to posterior border of last rugae (IP-PBA) was found to be statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Myofunctional therapy did have an effect on the rugae pattern. But the age group of 10 – 13 years consisted of growing individuals. Therefore, it could not be concluded as to whether the changes were because of growth taking place or because of myofunctional therapy. KEY WORDS Palatine Rugae, Myofunctional Appliances, Class II Malocclusion

Background: Palatal rugoscopy is the use of palatal rugae for identification of unknown persons. The majority of the population in Egypt consists of Egyptian people. However, some Malaysian people live in Alexandria city of Egypt for the purpose of education. So in case of mass disaster, there is a critical need for a reliable and easy method to differentiate between Malaysians and Egyptians. Aim: Study palatal rugae patterns in two diverse populations; Egyptians and Malaysians and its relation to sex and population difference. Subjects: Eighty students of Alexandria Faculty of Dentistry; forty Egyptians (20 females and 20 males) and forty Malaysians (20 males and 20 females). The age ranged 18-30 years. Results: Significant difference was noted between Malaysian males and females according to total number of rugae on both sides. Malaysians had significantly higher total rugae number on both sides than Egyptians. Curved shape was the predominant shape in the total sample. Significant difference was detected between Egyptians and Malaysians according to the predominant palatal rugae direction on both left and right sides. Egyptian females had significantly higher percentage of absent unification than Egyptian males. Linear regression models for sex and ethnicity identification were built up.

Palatal rugae are irregular protrusions that are anatomically located on the anterior maxillary mucous membrane, on each side of the median palatal raphe next to the posterior incisor papilla. The aim of this research was to determine the differences of palatal rugae pattern between Chinese and Indian females. This study was descriptive by using the observation method to a total of 50 female samples consisted of 30 Chinese and 20 Indian using purposive sampling. Impressions of the upper jaws were taken and cast with dental stone. The palatal rugae pattern was identified according to Martin dos Santos classification. The most frequent palatal rugae pattern in Chinese females is curve form (41.00%), followed by line form (23.85%) and sinuous form (15.90%). On the other hand, Indian females mostly have sinuous form (28.83%), followed by line form (23.93%) and curve form (20.25%). Thus, there is a difference between palatal rugae pattern between Chinese and Indian females which is the curve forms is more common in Chinese females while the sinuous forms is more common in Indian females.

This observational study compared palatal rugae morphology in adolescent subjects with normal tooth number and tooth agenesis. Maxillary dental study casts were used to compare rugae number, length and shape. Each study group contained 60 subjects (30 females and 30 males) mean age 13.4 (SD, 1.55) in control and 13.56 (SD, 1.54) years in tooth agenesis groups (p = 0.576). Mean number of missing tooth units in the tooth agenesis group was 2.1. Mean number of primary rugae in the whole sample was 4.35 (SD, 0.98) on the right and 4.33 (SD, 0.92) on the left with no significant differences (p = 0.236 and p = 0.404, respectively). However, the number of secondary rugae on the left (p = 0.006) and fragmentary rugae on the right (p = 0.004) was significantly increased in the tooth agenesis group. The shape of left primary rugae 2 and 3 also differed between groups, tending towards a wavy pattern in the control group and curved in the tooth agenesis group (p = 0.012 and p = 0.004, respectively). In addition, primary rugae 3 was more convergent (p = 0.008) whilst left primary rugae 3 and 5 were orientated in an antero-posterior direction (p = 0.04 for both rugae) in the tooth agenesis group. Subgroup analysis also identified significant associations between patterns of tooth agenesis and rugae number, in addition to shape of primary rugae. The identification of significant differences in rugae pattern between subjects with normal tooth number and agenesis suggests potential commonality in signal pathway disruption during establishment of these structures.

Objectives Individual orthodontic treatment duration is hard to predict. Individual biological factors are amongst factors influencing individual rate of orthodontically induced tooth movement (OTM). The study aim is to determine the rate of OTM by a novel 3D method and investigate parameters that may predict the rate of tooth movement. Materials and methods In this prospective cohort study, rate of OTM was determined from 90 three-dimensional intra-oral scans in 15 patients (aged 12–15) undergoing orthodontic treatment. For each patient, intra-oral scans were taken every week for up to 6 weeks (T0–T5). The teeth were segmented from the scans and the scans were superimposed on the palatal rugae. The rate of OTM was calculated for each tooth. Other parameters were gingival inflammation, contact-point displacement and the biological markers, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), MMP-9 and MMP-2 in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). Results Our study showed a high variation in the rate of OTM, varying from 0.15 to 1.24 mm/week. Teeth in the anterior segment tended to move more compared with the posterior segment. The contact point displacement and gingival inflammation varied greatly amongst the patients. The MMPs measured did not correlate with tooth movement. However, the gingival inflammation index showed a significant correlation with OTM. Future studies should include other biological markers related to bone-remodeling. Conclusion This novel and efficient 3D method is suitable for measuring OTM and showed large individual variation in rate of OTM. Clinical relevance Patients show different rates of OTM. The rate of OTM in an individual patient can provide guidance in timing of follow-up appointments.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the palatal rugae could be used as an appropriate reference area for serial model superimposition following Rapid maxillary expansion(RME) and facemask treatment.A total of 52 pediatric patients who had undergone RME and facemask treatment were selected. Palate and palatal rugae in the pre- and post- treatment casts from the patients were measured.In spite of dentoalveolar changes occurred by RME and facemask, anteroposterior changes in palate and palatal rugae were not significant. Anatomical changes of palate and palatal rugae were mostly shown in the transverse dimension. The soft tissue of the palatal rugae stretches in adaptation to hard tissue movement. Among the evaluated landmarks, the medial point of the third palatal rugae seemed to be the most stable.The observed alterations in the palatal rugae demonstrated the potential of medial points of third palatal rugae as a reference point in model superimpositions to evaluate dental movement within the maxillary arch following RME and facemask treatment.

Anchorage loss is an important parameter in controlling the outcome of orthodontic treatment. Lateral cephalogram and study model analysis are routinely used to monitor anchorage loss. Study is to evaluate the effectiveness of 3D digital model and study cast to measure maxillary molar anchorage loss in patients treated with fixed orthodontic appliance. A total of 31 high anchorage patients who were treated with pre adjusted edgewise appliance for their malocclusions were included in the study. Amount of horizontal anchorage loss was measured by two methods: Study cast and 3D digital model super imposition. The anterior palatal rugae area was taken as a reference point for comparative measurements. Paired t-test was performed to compare the mean values of anchorage loss measured on both methods. When we compared the mean anchorage loss of two methods, it was found that there were no statistically significant differences observed for both the right side (t= 0.513, p>0.05) and left side (t= -0.081, p>0.05). The spearman correlation between two methods showed a very strong correlation in both right (r=0.919) and left side (r=0.906) which was statistically significant (p

The Palatal Rugae are considered a useful human identification marker for both orthodontists and forensic personnel. The principal aim of the present study was to evaluate the stability of palatal rugae with a 3D-3D superimposition procedure following Slow Maxillary Expansion (SME), in order to assess whether they kept their uniqueness and validity for human identification, even after a specific dental treatment. For this purpose, a sample of 27 digital dental models - belonging to growing patients (13 males and 14 females), aged between 8.5 and 15 years, who underwent SME therapy - was retrospectively studied and compared with a control group of 27 untreated subjects - (13 males and 14 females). Digital dental models were obtained pre-treatment and at device removal; both were processed by means of an intraoral scanner. A superimposition procedure was thus performed to reach the minimum point-to-point distance between two models of palatal rugae. Intra- and inter-observer differences were statistically analyzed by paired Wilcoxon test and Intra-class Correlation coefficient (ICC), showing values larger than 0.93. There was no difference in Root-Mean-Square (RMS) values between untreated control subjects and subjects treated with Leaf Expander (p = 0.062). A RMS value of 0.43 was the threshold to distinguish the pooled group (“Untreated” and “Leaf”) from any mismatch. According to the obtained results, this study failed to reject the null hypothesis and presented no differences between the RMS values of the Test group and the RMS values of the untreated control group. This work highlighted the usefulness of 3D superimposition procedure for purposes of human identification, in subjects undergoing dental treatment. However, keeping in sight the forensic use of this technique as a helpful probation element in court, further studies should be performed to confirm these findings.

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.

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.

Aim and objective To predict and correlate mandibular growth pattern using palatoscopy (average, horizontal, and vertical). Materials and methods This retrospective study includes 120 archived maxillary casts. One key person and two examiners performed the study; the key person was responsible for coding and collecting casts and radiographs, as well as calibration of the examiners. The key person divided the samples into three craniofacial growth pattern groups (average, horizontal, and vertical) based on Frankfort-mandibular plane angle (FMA), SN-GoGn, and facial axis angle and distributed them to the blinded examiners. Rugae were studied using a modified Thomas and Kotze classification system. After the analysis, the results were decoded and analyzed with the corresponding cephalometric radiographs. Results Multinomial logistic regression was employed to predict the mandibular growth patterns with the following independent variables: Forwardly directed rugae, number of divergent rugae, predominant shape circular, predominant shape curved, primary rugae, predominant shape wavy, number of convergent rugae, and horizontally directed rugae. Conclusion Palatal rugae patterns predict the growth pattern of the mandible. Clinical significance Considering the significant parameters and their correlation with mandibular growth pattern, prediction of mandibular growth patterns can be done noninvasively.

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.

The goal of this article is to review the anatomy of the brachycephalic canine hard palate and provide a step-by-step guide on diagnosis and treatment of acquired palatitis using the CO2surgical laser. Brachycephalic breed-related defects are not only limited to the upper airways, some dogs may develop secondary systemic or localized problems. An abnormality that is over-represented in some breeds such as boxers and bulldogs is prominent palatal rugae. The greater depth of the palatal rugae allows for the entrapment of plaque, food debris and hair. Thus, acquired palatitis or granulomatous lesions may develop. This oral pathology and its consequences are commonly neglected by the owners and frequently missed by the veterinarians. Scientific evidence-based diagnosis and treatment for this breed-related oral pathology are absent in the veterinary literature. This article is the first in providing the elements needed for an adequate morphological characterization of the canine hard palate, allowing veterinarians to appropriately identify anomalous areas of the soft tissue component of the hard palate. This article illustrates the use of a noninvasive surgical technique to prevent and cure the sequelae associated with anomalous palatal rugae. The CO2surgical laser provides a suitable method by offering the fast resolution of the lesions and permanent results.

SUMMARY: During development, bony changes in the palate are reflected in the palatal rugae. Therefore, we hypothesized that the palatal dimensions (PD) influence the shape and number of palatal rugae (PR). The objectives were to record the palatal rugae characteristics (PRC) and palatal dimensions (intercanine distance (ICD), intermolar distance (IMD), palatal height (PH) and palatal area (PA) in Classes I, II and III malocclusion patients and investigate their interrelationship, and statistically examine the possibility of predicting PRC with the PD. Four hundred eighty-one pre-orthodontic study casts of healthy patients with normal palate anatomy were grouped as Classes I, II and III and scanned using 3D cast scanner. The PRC, ICD, IMD, PH, and PA were recorded digitally using 3D enabled software. The data was statistically analyzed. A strong statistically significant difference was observed between PA and number of straight and wavy rugae. ICD and the number of straight rugae were also related. A weak correlation exists between malocclusion classes and PA. The remaining rugae characteristics did not exhibit any relation with palatal dimensions. PA is positively related to the number of straight rugae and negatively related to the number of wavy rugae. Bigger palates have more straight rugae and less number of wavy rugae. A weak correlation between PA and Angle’s class I malocclusion exists. We also propose that PA has a developmental association with the number and shape of PR.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of changing vertical dimension of complete denture within its normal range on phonation with the presence or absence of palatal rugae, using Computerized speech lab (CSL). Material and Methods: Ten completely edentulous patients (aged 50-60 years) were selected for reading some sentences. Each patient had two maxillary and two mandibular dentures with an adaptation period between each denture. The patients’ speech records were divided into four groups,Group I: Maxillary acrylic denture had polished anterior palatal surface without rugae reproduction and a free-way space of 2 mm.Group II: Maxillary acrylic denture with rugae reproduction on its polished surface and a free-way space of 2 mm.Group III: Maxillary acrylic denture had polished anterior palatal surface without rugae reproduction and a free-way space of 4 mm.Group IV: Maxillary acrylic denture with rugae reproduction on its polished surface and a free-way space of 4 mm, the samples selected were s/sh/t sounds . Results: There is no significant difference was recorded in mean value of first formant frequency in dentures with and without Ruge using freeway of 4 and 2 mm for S and Sh sounds and in the voice onset time (VOT) of T sound. Conclusion: Any change in the normal cross section of the oral cavity by a removable prosthesis will affect the properties of normal human voice, so it is not recommended to construct thick areas in the anterior region of denture even if it contains palatal rugae so that it will not affect palatolingual sounds.

Aim The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between malocclusion and palatal rugae patterns and its reliability in gender determination of adolescents aged 13-18 years. Materials and methods A total of 90 children with 30 in each of skeletal class I, II and III groups respectively were included in the study. The lateral cephalograms of the study samples were analyzed cephalometrically using ANB angle, WITS appraisal and beta angle and categorized as skeletal class I, class II or class III sagittal skeletal jaw relation. Sassouni's Archial analysis was used to reconfirm skeletal jaw relation and also to assess treatment needs. Palatal rugae of each sample were recorded to study the patterns. Thomas and Kotze classification was followed for rugae pattern analysis. Results No definite rugae print pattern could be associated with any particular sagittal skeletal jaw relation in the present study. Female population of class II skeletal malocclusion showed a significant difference for number of rugae on the right and left sides of mid palatine raphe. Discriminant function analysis showed no significance when the number of rugae were compared among males and females for gender determination. Conclusion As rugoscopy was neither found to provide absolute conclusive evidence in identification of any particular jaw relationship nor gender determination, combination with more reliable forensic methods would help in better personal identification. Clinical significance Palatal rugae and craniofacial skeleton develop at the same embryonic period. Developmental factors that cause malocclusions should also reflect in the palatal rugae patterns. There exists a deficiency in studies in samples of younger age group and hence the need of the study. How to cite this article Lalitya D, Srinivasan I, et al. Rugoscopy as a Gender Determination Tool and its Appositeness in Malocclusion among Adolescents Aged 13-18 Years. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2019;12(4):307-311.

Komal Smriti,1 Raj Gupta,2 Kalyana C Pentapati,3 Anupam Singh,4 Ira Kapoor,2 Ravindranath Vineetha,1 Srikanth Gadicherla4 1Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India; 2Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India; 3Department of Public Health Dentistry, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India; 4Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, IndiaCorrespondence: Kalyana C PentapatiDepartment of Public Health Dentistry, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, IndiaEmail drkalyan81@gmail.comBackground: Palatal rugae are asymmetric and irregular ridges on the anterior palatal region, which have proven to be useful in the field of forensic dentistry. This study aims to use morphological analysis of palatal rugae patterns to assess sex in a South Indian adult population.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was undertaken to evaluate a total of 300 maxillary dental casts (150 males and 150 females). The rugae patterns were marked by one observer and classified as per Thomas and Kotze criteria by another observer. The rugae patterns were classified based on the total number of rugae, shape, predominant direction of rugae, and unification of rugae.Results: The palatal rugae in female participants showed a higher incidence of circular rugae and backward directed rugae, while male participants showed more forward-directed rugae. The logistic regression analysis showed a significant association of with circular (OR=1.48; 95% CI= 1.02– 2.13), forward (OR=0.87; 95% CI= 0.78– 0.97) and backward (OR=1.23; 95% CI= 1.08– 1.41) palatal rugae with sex.Conclusion: Certain palatal rugae patterns can be used for the assessment of sex with limited accuracy.Keywords: palatal rugae, sex, identification, palatoscopy, forensic, dentistry

Aim This study aimed to determine the optimal reference area for superimposition of serial 3D dental models of patients with advanced periodontitis. Materials and methods Ten pre- and post-periodontal treatment 3D models (median time lapse: 13.1 months) of patients with advanced periodontitis were acquired by intraoral scanning. Superimposition was performed with the iterative closest point algorithm using four reference areas: (A) all stable teeth, (B) all teeth, (C) third palatal rugae and (D) the whole model. The superimposition accuracy was evaluated at two stable evaluation regions using the mean absolute distance and evaluated with two-way ANOVA and post-hoc multivariate model. The intra- and inter-operator reproducibility was calculated by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results Superimposition accuracy evaluated at stable tooth evaluation region were 71 ± 29 μm, 73 ± 21 μm, 127 ± 52 μm and 113 ± 53 μm for areas A, B, C and D, respectively. All reference areas showed similarly high ICC values >0.990, except for reference area C showing ICC of 0.821 (intra-operator) and 0.767 (inter-operator) for tooth evaluation area. Conclusions Area A and B provide the highest accuracy for superimposition of serial 3D dental models acquired by intraoral scanning of patients with advanced periodontitis.

A sample of 38 Italian subjects (17 males and 21 females, mean age 8.2 ± 1.2 years, age range 7.2–8.8 years), who underwent active Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME), was studied to assess the reliabi...

The robust nature of teeth and their ability to resist destruction, make them indispensable evidence in caseswhere human identification by a scientific method is required. Forensic odontology is the branch of dentistrythat combines knowledge of teeth and oral and maxillofacial region of a dentist with the legal system. Dentalidentification has proven to be a boon in disaster victim identification. Besides teeth, an odontologist canalso help identify unknown domains from other features such as the palatal rugae, lip prints, frontal sinus,etc. Forensic Odontology can also assist in the biological profiling of human remains by sex determination,age assessment, racial profiling, and information about habits or pathologies from dental traits. Dental ageestimation is a crucial part of the age estimation process in the medico-legal system. Research has shownthat dental age estimation by studying mineralization and development of teeth in children and young adultscan be fairly accurate and supplement skeletal age assessment. Biological profiling is required to be donefor reconstructive identification by forensic facial reconstruction, especially in cold cases. Equipped with theexpertise of dental structures, oral and maxillofacial region, overall skull anthropology, forensic odontologycan contribute towards the identification of skeletonized, decomposed, or mutilated remains especially incold cases.

Background DNA base identification is a proper and high specificity method. However, identification could be challenged in a situation where there is no database or the DNA sequence is almost identical, as in the case of monozygotic (MZ) twins. The aim of this study was to introduce a novel forensic method for distinguishing between almost identical MZ twins by means of an intraoral scanner using the 3D digital pattern of the human palate. Methods The palatal area of 64 MZ twins and 33 same-sex dizygotic (DZ) twins (DZSS) and seven opposite-sex dizygotic twins (DZOS) were scanned three times with an intraoral scanner. From the scanned data, an STL file was created and exported into the GOM Inspect® inspection software. All scans within a twin pair were superimposed on each other. The average deviation between scans of the same subject (intra-subject deviation, ISD) and between scans of the two siblings within a twin pair (intra-twin deviation, ITD) was measured. One-sided tolerance interval covering 99% of the population with 99% confidence was calculated for the ISD (upper limit) and the ITD (lower limit). Results The mean ISD of the palatal scan was 35.3 μm ± 0.78 μm. The calculated upper tolerance limit was 95 μm. The mean ITD of MZ twins (406 μm ± 15 μm) was significantly (p p p Conclusion The reproducibility of palatal intraoral scans proved to be excellent. The morphology of the palate shows differences between members of MZ twins despite their almost identical DNA, indicating that this method could be useful in forensic odontology.

Forensic dentistry is the connection between the dental professions and forensic professions. In fact, the teeth and jaws are highly resistant to degradation and decomposition by postmortem. For a number of different reasons and situations such as mass disasters, in criminal investigations and in the case of disfigured bodies due to fire and vehicle accidents, dental identification of humans happens. The different methods include x-rays, antemortem & post-mortem photographs, tooth prints, palatal rugae, lip printing, bite marking and molecular methods such as polymerase chain reaction for pulp DNA analysis.

Background The purpose of the cross sectional study was to investigate the distal extension of the rugae area in a Jordanian (Middle Eastern) population, as an anatomical limitation influencing the surgical decision of harvesting a palatal soft tissue graft. Factors that may influence or predict the extension were also assessed. Methods Sixty periodontally healthy participants (29 males and 31 females) were included. Maxillary alginate impressions were made and casts were poured. The measurements were highlighted from the origin of the rugae (near mid palatine raphe) to the terminal end with a sharp graphite pencil on the cast and a magnification lens was used for identification. The most posterior extension of the rugae were marked on the casts and determined by a standardized periodontal probe. The normal approximation test for binomial distribution was used to determine the proportion of the subjects with rugael extensions beyond the mesial end of the upper second premolar and fisher’s exact test for the purpose of analysis of the association of this extension with other factors. Results In almost half (41.7%) of the sample, the rugae extended distal to the upper second premolar, 23.3% extended to the mid-palatal of the upper second premolar, and 11.7% extended to the mesial of the upper second premolar. The implication is that 90.0% of the rugae reached the upper second premolar and 78.3% extended beyond its mesial aspect. The normal approximation test performed with 95% CI with the "rugael extension proximal to the mesial end of the upper 2nd premolar" considered to be the "success" category revealed that the proportion of the subjects with rugael extensions proximal to the mesial end of the upper second premolar was significantly lower than the proportion beyond the mesial end of the upper second premolar (95% CI of 11.2–32.0%, p = .00001). There was no significant difference between gender, smoking status, gingival phenotype and palatal shape with the posterior extension of palatal rugae. Conclusions Palatal rugae in a sample of a Jordanian population extends beyond the mesial aspect of the upper second premolar which may cause a substantial limitation for graft harvesting from the palate. The hard palate of Jordanian patients may not be a reliable source of soft tissue grafts required for aesthetic mucogingival surgery. No significant association existed between the most posterior extent of palatal rugae and gender, gingival phenotype or palatal shape. Other possible sources should be explored.

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.

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).

OBJECTIVES To investigate the anteroposterior and vertical changes of the median rugae area, which is commonly used as dental model superimposition reference, relevant to its underlying skeletal structures. SETTINGS AND SAMPLE POPULATION Retrospectively collected pre- and post-treatment cephalometric radiographs and 3D digital dental models of 24 orthodontic patients (age at treatment start: 12.26 ± 0.83 years; assessment period: 2.13 ± 0.68 years) were analysed. All had mild to moderate malocclusions that were treated non-extraction with full fixed appliances. MATERIAL AND METHODS The incisive papilla and rugae points were placed on the dental models that were then registered to the cephalometric radiographs. Afterwards, the radiographs were superimposed on Sella, ANS-PNS, and through a maxillary structural method. The vertical and horizontal movements of the papilla and the rugae points, as well as of a central incisor, were measured (Viewbox 4 software). RESULTS The incisive papilla and the three rugae points remained stable anteroposteriorly, but moved downwards in the vertical dimension (approximately 1-2 mm), in a similar manner (P>0.05). However, the anteroposterior position of the papilla and the first rugae points were affected by changes in anterior tooth position and inclination (p

Introduction Early detection of susceptibility to dental caries by studying its genetic basis by effectively utilizing noninvasive, less expensive, and effective tools is gaining popularity. Cariogenesis is affected by a combination of environmental and behavioral factors. Aim The aim of this study was to compare the reliability of dermatoglyphic, cheiloscopic, and rugoscopic patterns for assessing the risk of dental caries in children. Materials and methods The study included 100 children aged 3-7 years who were divided into two groups based on their decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT/deft) index. Fingerprints, lip prints, and rugae patterns were recorded and analyzed. Results The most common fingerprints patterns in the children with higher deft scores were loop pattern (52%), followed by whorls (32%) and arches (16%). The branched pattern of lip prints was found to be the most prevalent in all children irrespective of their caries status. Among palatal rugae shapes, wavy was found to be the most prevalent (54%) one in our study population, irrespective of the deft scores. Considering the palatal rugae unifications, it was found that converging type was significantly (P = 0.032) more prevalent in children with less deft scores (32%) compared to those with high deft caries (14%). Conclusion Palatal rugae unifications have proved to be a good marker of dental caries. Among the various genes that may be playing a role in caries formation, BCOR and BCORL1 genes may also be playing a role in the development of palate and the rugae patterns and also in the development of enamel, which is known to be the most vulnerable dental tissue to dental caries.

Background: A realistic approach to the phonetic aspect in complete denture construction is most often subdued by various factors. The palatal rugae, an important landmark in speech orderliness, are frequently affected due to lack of proper texture on a complete denture. Establishing a correlation between customized palatal surfaces of complete dentures and speech improvement will help to ameliorate post insertion appointments of articulation deficiencies.Methods: Ten completely edentulous subjects of either sex with a mean age range of 50-70 years, fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in this study. All the participants received three sets of dentures, followed by assessment of speech using photo articulation test, speech intelligibility and acoustic analysis in edentulous state and subsequently after insertion of conventional denture, denture with customized rugae, and denture with customized metallic base.Results: The data collected was subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS 24.0 version and GraphPad Prism version 5. The statistical analysis was carried using ANOVA and student t-test. On evaluating the error patterns, distortion was maximum followed by substitutions. These errors were maximum in edentulous state and decreased subsequently, with the least errors in customized rugae dentures. A statistically significant positive correlation (pConclusions: Apart from retention, stability and support, equal amount of emphasis has to be laid down on phonetical aspects to improve the overall psychological well-being and social upliftment for patients. The improvement in verbal proficiency for completely edentulous patients can be minimized considerably by customizing the palatal portions.

Background & Objectives: The current study was conducted to identify and determine the association between gender and characteristics of palatal rugae in Nepalese population. Materials & Methods: Characteristics of palatal rugae including number, length, shape, direction and unification were analyzed in 100 maxillary dental plaster casts. Association between palatal rugae and gender were tested using chi square analysis and statistical descriptors were identified using SPSS 10.0 keeping the level of statistical significance at pResults: A total of 997 rugae were traced. Females were found to have more rugae than males though statistically not significant. In the present study significant difference in secondary (p=0.012), fragmentary (p=0.005), straight (p=0.001) and perpendicular directed (pConclusion: No two individual had similar rugae pattern. They can be used to identify people and differentiate between males and females in addition to other tools of identification and has great application in forensic science.

Buccolingual inclinations of the maxillary permanent molars and intermolar widths increase with growth for Class I subjects. Changes for untreated Class II subjects have not yet been assessed. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that changes in palatal inclination of the maxillary molars and intermolar width throughout growth vary between Class I and Class II molar occlusions.Patients were selected from the Forsyth/Moorrees Twin Study. Dental models taken for 6 consecutive years of 55 untreated subjects (28 with Angle Class I and 27 with Angle Class II occlusion) were scanned. The images were superimposed on the palatal rugae, and the angle between a reference plane and the buccolingual inclination plane was used to calculate the buccolingual molar inclination at each time point. The distance between lingual groove points was used to calculate the intermolar width.All molars showed increasing palatal inclinations over the 6 years. The change for each time interval was statistically significant. Class I subjects demonstrated significantly greater palatal inclination at each time point. The molar inclination changed by means of 4.99° for Class I subjects and 6.25° for Class II subjects. Intermolar width increased continuously (P 0.001) and was significantly greater (P 0.05) for Class I patients.These results suggest that palatal inclination of the maxillary permanent first molars occurs continuously between ages 9 and 14 years, with Class II subjects showing greater changes. The intermolar width increases steadily during this time, with Class II subjects having a narrower intermolar width and less change over time.

The objective of this study was to demonstrate the palatal rugae patterns in a sample Turkish subpopulation. Orthodontic dental casts of 126 patients (66 females and 60 males, 10–22 years old) were...

Aim The present study's aim was to assess the pattern of palatine ridges/rugae to identify gender. Materials and methods This study consists of a total of 50 participants (25 males and 25 females). Participants of the age range of 20 to 50 years were selected from the outpatient department. According to the shape and size of the patient's arches, maxillary impression trays were selected using alginate, and casts were poured subsequently. With the help of a sharp graphite pencil, the palatine ridges were delineated to make it prominent, and on either side of the midline, the number of rugae was counted and the length measured. Using these parameters, the pattern of rugae was determined. Data were analyzed using independent sample t-test. The level of significance was set at 5%. Results Males had more number of palatal rugae (mean 5.96 ± 0.88) compared with females (5.24 ± 0.77), and there was a statistically significant association between them. The mean length of palatal rugae was more in males (6.25 ± 1.15 mm) than females (5.16 ± 1.40 mm), and it was found to be a statistically significant association. The straight pattern was more common in both males and females (2.56 ± 1.08, 2.32 ± 0.85 respectively) than other patterns. Conclusion This study concluded that straight rugae pattern has been found to be the most common pattern in both genders. However, the mean number of straight rugae pattern and length is slightly more in males than females. Clinical significance The most challenging tasks in forensic medicine is human identification. Dental records, dactylogram, and comparing deoxyribonucleic acid are the widely used techniques in mass disasters, but these techniques have their own drawbacks and hence cannot be applied always. In such cases, less known techniques like rugoscopy will be helpful. How to cite this article Gautam N, Patil SG, Krishna RG, Agastya H, Mushtaq L, Kumar KV. Association of Palatal Rugae Pattern in Gender Identification: An Exploratory Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2017;18(6):470-473.

Purpose This study aims to determine the number, symmetry, shape and individual characteristic of palatal rugae. Methods In our study, we performed on subjects ages 16 to 57 (23.01 ± 7.12), ranging from a total of 230 (108 female and 122 male). Alginant impression material from each took dimensions of the upper jaw. Then casts were obtained by pouring hard casts. The shapes, lengths, and directions of rugae measured on these casts. The palatine photos were taken by using a mobile phone-Samsung brand with 12 MP camera and an orthodontic mirror. The casts and photographs were selected at random belonging to 100 subjects. Selected at random 10 photographs were matched among 100 casts. The ratios of correct matches were determined. Results In our study, the total number of palatal rugae was found as 9.49 ± 1.87 in females and 9.42 ± 1.92 in males. The most detected rugae pattern was wavy on both females and males. The most rarely seen rugae pattern was converged in the males and circular in the females. Regarding lengths of rugae, the most detected rugae pattern was the primary one. Regarding the direction of rugae pattern, positive-sided one was the most dominant in both genders. We determined the ratio of matching the casts belonging to Palatine with the photos as 63.5%. The number of rugae aged under 18 and above 41 was found to be statistically significant (P = 0.003), but the number of curved and positive-sided rugae in older ages was not found to be statistically significant. Conclusions Compared with data from earlier studies, the shapes, length, and direction of palatal rugae were seen specific in every individual, and it was seen to have discriminating characteristics among different populations. The possible differences in individual specific palatal rugae require further studies involving larger samples.

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.

Aims This study aimed to investigate the morphology of the palate, palatal rugae pattern, and dental arch form in patients with schizophrenia. Methods and results 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). Conclusion 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.

Background: Palatal rugae are nonidentical mucosal elevations seen on anterior third of palate. They are arranged in transverse direction on either side of the mid-palatine raphe. Although they are the most stable anatomical structures in the oral cavity, certain conditions such as expansion in orthodontic treatment contribute to some amount of variations in their pattern qualitatively. The aim of this study was to compare the shape of rugae and its positional changes before and after rapid maxillary expansion. Materials and Methods: Fifteen pairs of pre- and post-maxillary expansion casts showing finer details of palatal rugae from seven males to eight females in the age group of 10 ± 2.5 years were selected for this study with transverse maxillary deficiency reporting to Department of Orthodontics, VS Dental College and Hospital. The shape of rugae and the distance between the median points and lateral points of the first and the last two rugae on either side of the mid-palatal raphe were noted and marked. The data collected was statistically analyzed using SPSS program. Results: There was statistically significant difference in the distance between medial and lateral points of first two and last two rugae. Conclusion: During maxillary expansion, there is stability of palatal rugae with respect to its shape, number but not with respect to its position. Clinically, the orthodontist can quantify the palatal separation after expansion of the maxillary arch using the interruga distance.

Forensic dentistry is the examination and evaluation dental evidence which will be then presented in the interest justice. The palatal rugae are generally transverse ridges situated in the anterior part the palatine mucosa. Palatal rugae are resistant to chemical aggression, thermal effects and decomposition changes because internal position in the head. They are widely used in edentulous patients where dental identification is not possible and in patients where other body parts are burnt and decomposed. Aim the study is toanalyze and identify the differences in the palatal rugae patterns in males, females, families & identical twins. Methods & material: study included a total 180 palatal casts 75 males, 75 females, 5 families (father, mother & two childrens) & 5 pairs identical twins. Statistical Analysis: Two-sample t-test and Chi-Square tests were used for comparison means and relationship between the attributes.conclusion:variations in palatal rugaein gender wise, or various geographically different races can be used as identifying tool in forensic dentistry.

Palatal Rugae Patterns in a Sudanese Population Sample Palatal rugae are ridges resulted from symmetrical and irregular mucosal folds of tissue and located in the alveolar third of the palate. Palatal rugae identification can have a significant role in forensic identification where it is difficult to use the normal identification methods. The aim of this study is to identify and compare the palatal rugal morphological patterns in a sample of adult males and females of Sudanese population. Maxillary impression models obtained from 100 subjects (50 males and 50 females) of age group 21 – 23 years, of the dental students of University of Science and Technology, Sudan. The data were assessed based on the Thomas and Kotze classification (1983) for the length, shape and prevalence. The Independent - t - Test was used for the statistical analysis. Ethical approvals declared from the University of Science and Technology, Sudan and University of the Western Cape South, South Africa to conduct the study. Statistical analysis showed that females had significantly more number of total rugae on the right side of the palate than in males. The prevalence of the palatine rugae numbers was significantly more in females than in males. Primary rugae were distributed more significantly in females more than males. On the right side of the palate, the straight type of rugae was significantly predominant in females than in males whilst the wavy shape was more in males than in females. On the left side of the palate, the curved type of rugae was significantly more presented in males than in females whilst the diverging unification type was more in females than in males. The distribution of number of rugae shapes in both males and females were seen as straight followed by wavy and least was the circular. The total number of straight rugae was significantly more in females than in males, as well as circular rugae and diverging rugae. In contrast, curved rugae were significantly more in males than in females. There were 11 individuals who did not comply with the Thomas and Kotze classification thus was recorded as unspecified. Page iv This Sudanese study showed significant differences between males and females in the number, length and shapes of rugae. Hence, the individuality and uniqueness of palatine rugae can be used as a tool for forensic dental identification, and possibly distinction between males and females. There is also a possibility that there are ethnic differences in rugal patterns.

The palatal rugae have been used as a reference landmark and identification marker by orthodontists and forensic analysts. However, the reliability of palatal rugae as a forensic marker remains questionable once an individual is subjected to orthodontic treatment. This study aimed at evaluating the changes in the rugae pattern after nonextraction, extraction, and maxillary expansion orthodontic treatment. The lengths and shapes of palatal rugae were evaluated on the pretreatment and post-treatment dental casts of 168 subjects using the Thomas and Kotze classification. Extraction treatment significantly reduced the second and third rugae lengths (p < 0.05), whereas the third rugae length was significantly increased after palatal expansion (p < 0.05). The shape of rugae remained consistent in all the study groups which may be used as a reliable forensic marker in subjects undergoing orthodontic treatment. However, the use of the lengths of palatal rugae in forensic odontology must be made with caution.

Rugoscopy refers to the study of palatal rugae in order to establish a personal identity. A significant association has been found between rugae forms and ethnicity which may represent a valuable finding in forensic medicine. The present study was aimed to analyze the pattern of palatal rugae in the adult Egyptian population and to examine for any sex differences. A total of 108 pre-orthodontic dental casts were enrolled in this study (54 males and 54 females) in the age group of 18–35 years. The pattern of palatal rugae regarding the number, size and shape of rugae was identified according to the classification made by Kapali et al. Primary rugae type showed the highest frequency while the most frequent shape was the wavy shape, followed by the straight shape. The predominant direction of palatal rugae was the forward direction. Also, the converging form of unification was found to be more prevalent than the diverging form. No significant difference was found between males and females except for the curved shape that was significantly greater among females. This study showed a specific rugae pattern in the studied adult Egyptian population when compared to other populations’ patterns that are reported in the literature.

Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate and correlate variation in the palatal rugae pattern, maxillary arch length, and maxillary arch width in males and females visiting dental college along with its predictive accuracy in gender differentiation. Materials and methods 100 preorthodontic maxillary dental stone casts, including 50 males and 50 females in age range of 18–30 years, were studied for different rugae pattern, arch length, and arch width. Thomas and Kotze classification was adopted for assessing rugae pattern. The arch length was measured by using the Lavelle's method and arch width by measuring intermolar distance. The data were analyzed using independent t -test and discriminant function analysis by SPSS 19 Statistical Package. Results The study revealed that females had higher curved and diverging type of rugae while males had higher circular and converging type of rugae, which were found to be statistically significant ( P P Conclusion The rugae pattern, arch length, and arch width can be used for gender differentiation in the human population. However, further research work on a larger population and use of other methods is necessary to validate its use in forensics science.

Palatine rugae are asymmetrical and irregular elevations of the mucosa located in the palate. Once they are formed they can change in size but their shape remains constant. These formations are considered a landmark during orthodontic treatment. The aim of this study was to identify malocclusion in young individuals through patterns of palatal rugae. A total of 105 subjects aged 9–14 years were selected for the study. The subjects were divided into three groups based on their malocclusion. Maxillary and mandibular arch impressions were taken using alginate (Algin-Gum) followed by preparation of casts using dental stone. All the casts (n=105) were analyzed and then categorized using the classification of Nayak et al. The samples were evaluated using the Mann–Whitney U test and Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA test. In all the malocclusions, the wavy pattern was prevalent followed by the straight pattern. Nonspecific and curved rugae patterns were the least prevalent patterns. A circular pattern was completely absent. The wavy pattern of rugae was predominant in all types of malocclusions followed by the straight pattern. There was no significant relation between the types of palatal rugae and malocclusion.

The goal of this study is to identify and compare palatal rugae patterns in males and females of an average age of 35 in a sample population from Bosnia and Herzegovina (Sarajevo Canton), as an additional method for sex differentiation in various situations. The research did not determine any statistically significant difference in the total number of palatal rugae between the sexes, which is in line with previous research. However, in the case of the number of secondary palatal rugae where the probability of an equal average is slightly higher than the tolerance of 5%, the difference being 7.6% which may indicate that secondary palatal rugae are more common in women. However, logistic regression analysis LRA is still more successful in classifying males, 69% of them, while for women the success rate is significantly lower with only 41%. In total, 55% of subjects were correctly classified. It may be concluded that using LRA in palatal rugae could be used as an additional sex differentiation method for the population of Bosnia and Herzegovina.