Association between palatal rugae patterns and terminal planes in primary dentition: Implications for the early...

Palatal rugae, or palatal folds, are the unique anatomical features on the hard palate that emerge during fetal development and remain stable throughout the life. These features are valuable for human identification in forensic science, as they are less prone to damage from thermal exposure or physical trauma.

This study aimed to determine if there is an association between different palatal rugae patterns and terminal planes in primary dentition.

The study population consisted of 600 children aged 3-6 years, classified into three terminal planes: mesial step, distal step, and flush terminal plane. Palatal rugae were analyzed using the modified Thomas and Kotze classification system, and data were assessed using the Chi-square tests.

Results showed no significant differences in the number, unification, or orientation of rugae between the terminal planes. However, a significant difference was found in the shape of the rugae, with circular and wavy patterns being more predominant in the mesial and distal step terminal planes, respectively. The most common shape of the incisive papilla was droplet-shaped across all groups.

These findings suggest that while palatal rugae patterns can offer insights into occlusal relationships in primary dentition, they do not show strong association with the terminal planes of primary molar relationships. The study highlights the potential for early diagnosis and preventive interventions in pediatric dentistry based on palatal rugae patterns.