Comparative evaluation of dermatoglyphic patterns between skeletal class I and skeletal class III malocclusion

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Genetics
• Anthropology

Background:

• Dermatoglyphics studies dermal patterns on fingers, palms, and soles, which form early in fetal development.
• These patterns are considered permanent after the 24th week of intrauterine life.
• Malocclusion, particularly skeletal class III, presents diagnostic challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between dermatoglyphic patterns and skeletal malocclusion.
• To compare dermatoglyphic variations in individuals with skeletal class I versus skeletal class III malocclusion.
• To explore the potential of dermatoglyphics in early malocclusion detection.

Main Methods:

• Collected finger and palm prints from 604 subjects using the ink and roller method.
• Classified subjects into skeletal class I, skeletal class III with maxillary retrognathism, and skeletal class III with mandibular prognathism based on lateral cephalogram analysis.
• Analyzed dermatoglyphic patterns, including pattern types and ridge counts.

Main Results:

• The loop pattern was more prevalent in skeletal class I malocclusion.
• The whorl pattern was more frequent in skeletal class III malocclusion groups (maxillary retrognathism and mandibular prognathism).
• Significant differences were observed in total finger ridge count and the atd angle between the groups.

Conclusions:

• Dermatoglyphic patterns show a significant association with skeletal malocclusion types.
• Analyzing dermal configurations may serve as an indicator for specific developing malocclusions.
• This approach could potentially aid in interceptive and preventive orthodontic strategies.