DOI: https://doi.org/10.53350/pjmhs2115112909 ORIGINAL ARTICLE P J M H S Vol. 15, No.11, NOV 2021 2909 Personal Identification using Odontometry and Palatoscopy: A Pakistani Perspective TABASSUM AHSAN QADEER 1 , BEENISH FATIMA ALAM 2 , TAUQEER BIBI 3 , MADEEHA ANWAR 4 1 HOD Orthodontics, BUDC-BUHS 2 Assistant Prof. Oral Biology, BUDC-BUHS 3 Sr. Lecturer Periodontology, BUDC –BUHS 4 Assistant Prof. Oral Biology, BUDC- BUHS Correspondence to Dr. Tabassum Ahsan Qadeer, Email: ahsan.tab@gmail.com, Cell: 03218212676 ABSTRACT Aim: To determine the most common rugae pattern and to find if it has any association with dental arch form or malocclusion. Study Design and setting: It was a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted using the records of 200 patients visiting the Orthodontic Outpatient department of Bahria University Medical and Dental College. Methodology: Number, size, orientation and pattern of palatal rugae were assessed on the plaster models. Dental malocclusion along with dental arch form and width were also evaluated. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies were analyzed. Chi square, Fischer exact test and One Way ANOVA was used to see the significance of differences, p≤0.05 was considered as significant. Results: The sample comprised of class I (n=97), class II(n=87) and class III(n=16).113 cases had inter-molar width >44mm while 87 had ≤44mm. Posterior orientation of the rugae, was pre-dominant for both right (n=100) and left (n=122) first rugae. The most common pattern was curved for both first rugae on right (n=66) and left (n=72) sides. Conclusion: Our study showed that the rugae pattern, size and numbers did not show significant variation in different malocclusion classes. It can be concluded that rugae pattern do not have any significant association with malocclusion class or arch form. Keywords: Arch form, Arch width, Forensic dentistry, Malocclusion, Palatal Rugae. INTRODUCTION Personal identification forms the basis of the forensic dentistry, especially in case of crimes or presence of injured bodies that have endured mutilation beyond recognition. Different methods have been identified for personal identification that includes cheiloscopy, palatoscopy, dermatoglyphics, odontometry along with utilizing different molecular techniques for DNA identification 1 . Beginning in 1889 with aiding in individual identification, palatal rugae patterns are now one of the commonly identified methods for this purpose. Transverse palatine folds or the palatine rugae are basically ridges that are composed of fibrous connective tissue that is situated within the anterior part of the hard palate behind the incisive papilla. They are formed during the 12th to 14th week of intrauterine life 2 . Palate is naturally well protected against damage due to presences of lips, cheeks, tongue, teeth and bones that surrounds it, hence making the palate resistant to trauma and high temperature, additionally these features plays a crucial role in forensic identification of an individual. 3 Aside from protection, the rugae also help with the swallowing process and tend to improve the contact with food and helping with taste perception. 4 Palatal rugae sustain their form throughout life, once formed their pattern remains unchanged. Though during the development process palatal length measurements may get changed, but the position of rugae remains constant throughout life. 5 None the less exceptional circumstance like trauma or chemical attack may deform the shape of palatal rugae. Various classifications have been developed to cognize the pattern of palatal rugae and help enhance its role within the forensic dentistry 6 . In 1911 first classification for palatal rugae was formulated by Goria in which the rugae pattern was categorized according to number of rugae and the extension of rugal area in relation to the teeth. 7 Thomas and Kotze have further detailed the previously classified rugae category which is now the most commonly used system 8 . Dental arch forms can be best described as configuration of underlying bony morphology that gets influenced by the process of tooth eruption along with the impact of various muscular forces. 9 In ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Received on 11-05-2021 Accepted on 19-10-2021 1934, Chuck made the first classification for dental arch forms describing them as square, tapered and ovoid form. However, the pattern of development of dental arches varies tremendously between both the genders. Genetic and environmental factors have shown a strong influence on the dental malocclusion. Classification proposed by Angle is the most prevalently used for dental malocclusion that is based on the assessing the relationship between maxillary and mandibular permanent first molars 10 . Researches that have been conducted in Pakistan have generally focused on analysing the pattern of rugae 11 . To the best to our knowledge none of the studies conducted here have focused on analysing the association of Palatal rugae with arch forms and widths. Hence the aim of this study is to find an association between rugae patterns and arch forms within the Pakistani population. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a retrospective cross- sectional study that was conducted using the records of 201 patients undergoing treatment at the Orthodontic outpatient department of Bahria University Medical and Dental College. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Ethical review committee of Bahria University Medical and Dental College (ERC 59/2020), in accordance with the declaration of Helsinki. The study sample comprised of 200 participants was calculated by using OpenEpiTM3. Statistical conditions used were 95% confidence interval with 5% margin of error. Convenience sampling was done including clear plaster models of patients aged between 15 and 45 years having fully erupted permanent dentition up to the second permanent molars. Those having missing teeth or any soft tissue protuberances or air bubbles were removed from the study. The data was collected by a single calibrated investigator using a magnifying glass for better visualization and examination, and was recorded on a proforma for each patient. Following variables were measured on the maxillary casts: Malocclusion: Angles classification of malocclusion was determined for each patient, based on the occlusion pattern of the first molars, as class I, II and III. Number of Rugae: The number of rugae on the right and left sides of the median palatine raphe was recorded. The size of each