Comparative Evaluation of Palatal Rugae and Lip Print Patterns with Different Malocclusions in Children Aged 6-12 Years – A Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION The comparative assessment of different types of palatal rugae and lip prints with malocclusion could give us early evidence about the type of developing malocclusion. An early intervention could help achieve better orofacial structure. AIM To establish a correlation between different types of malocclusion with palatal rugae patterns and lip print patterns in children aged 6–12 years old. MATERIALS AND METHOD A total of 288 co-operative patients were selected and observed for patterns of palatal rugae using the Thomas and Kotze classification. Lip prints were recorded using the lipstick-cellophane technique and visualized using the Suzuki and Tsuchihashi classification. Malocclusion was compared with lip print and palatal rugae patterns. RESULTS The wavy type of palatal rugae pattern was predominant in Class I and II, while the curved type was most commonly seen in the Class III permanent molar relationship. The wavy type of palatal rugae pattern was predominant in Class I, and the curved type was seen more in Class II. Type II lip print pattern was observed in Class I, whereas Type IV lip print pattern was predominant in Class II, and Type V lip print pattern in Class III permanent molar relationship. The Type IV lip print pattern was seen in Class II, and Type II in Class I primary canine relationship. CONCLUSION No statistically significant correlation was found between dental malocclusion and palatal rugae pattern. A definite interpretation exists that lip print patterns offer many distinct advantages as a screening tool for malocclusion than palatal rugae patterns.