Dermatoglyphic Assessment in Subjects with Different Dental Arch Forms: An Appraisal

This study was conducted to identify the association if any between type of dental arch forms and type of dermatoglyphic patterns. If specific dermal characteristics exist in individuals with specific dental arch forms, dermatoglyphic assessment of long standing edentulous subjects may help identify the patients preexisting dental arch form and thus aid in proper tooth arrangement. Ninety dentulous subjects were categorized into three groups on the basis of dental arch form (square, tapering or ovoid) and their finger and palm prints were recorded. The type of fingertip patterns, distribution of palmar patterns, Total Finger Ridge Count and angle atd were assessed. Subjects with square arches demonstrated a significantly high frequency of loops and a large atd angle with palmar patterns being most frequent in I3 region. Subjects with tapering arches showed a high frequency of whorls, a small atd angle and greatest distribution of palmar patterns in I4 region. In ovoid arched subjects, loops were the most common and palmar patterns were mostly observed in I4. Since distinctive dermal patterns were observed in subjects with different dental arch forms, it is believed that dermatoglyphics may be used as a reliable tool for identifying original arch form in edentulous patients.
Source: The Journal of Indian Prosthodontic Society - Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research