Arch Length and Palatal Rugae: An Adjunct in Gender Discrimination

Abstract Introduction Palatal rugae or plica palatine are the finger prints of the oral cavity and the arch length varies between males and females. These two parameters constitute an integral part of the anthropometric studies in the realms of dentistry as well as forensic odontology. The aim of this study was to assess whether any relationship existed between the upper arch length and the rugae pattern and whether these two parameters showed any gender differentiation. Materials and Methods The sample consisted of upper and lower study models of 60 subjects (30 males and 30 females). Arch lengths were measured using a brass wire and rugae were traced on the dental casts and assessed by applying the Thomas and Kotze classification (1983). The data collected was subjected to statistical analysis. Results The results showed that the maxillary and mandibular arch length dimensions were higher in males than in females; however, the differences were found to be statistically insignificant. The assessment of rugae pattern showed that the male subjects had a higher number of rugae. The differences in rugae pattern distribution for male and female subjects were found to be statistically significant. Conclusion The palatal rugae pattern and maxillary arch length can be used as an additional method in differentiating gender between human population groups.