Interference of orthodontic treatment in the human identification process by the palatine rugae

Abstract

Abstract This observational study investigate the interference of fixed orthodontic treatment on the morphology of palatine rugae, and the compromise the process of forensic human identification. Of the 51 cases studied (26 males), aged between 7 and 39 years. The principal morphological changes included a second right rugae in males (50%) and a third left rugae in females (56%); the anterior rugae were more altered in males. The most significant change in architecture was between the ages of 22 and 39, with a 57.1% rate for the third right rugae. No statistically significant difference was observed between morphological rugae patterns and gender, skin color, or age. The prevalence of the bifurcated type for the first right rugae; the straight type for the second right and left rugae and the sinuous type for the third right and left rugae. For the initial rugae, there was a correspondence of 43.1–47.1% for the oval shape before and after treatment, respectively. Concluding that the fixed orthodontic treatment may result in morphological modifications to the palatine rugae.