Assessment of The Relationship Between Palatal Rugae Patterns and Vertical Craniofacial Growth in an Iranian Population During 2023

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

3 Community Oral Health Department, School of Dentistry, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

4 School of Dentistry, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

5 Dental Research Center, Research Institute of Dental Sciences, School of Dentistry, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Background: Palatal rugae patterns have been associated with various conditions and may serve as prognostic indicators for related disorders. This study aimed to evaluate palatal rugae patterns and their relationship with vertical craniofacial growth patterns in an Iranian population.
Methods: A total of 180 samples were classified using the Jarabak Index and SN-GoGn angle based on cephalometric analysis. Participants were divided into three skeletal growth groups: Average, horizontal, and vertical (n = 60 each). Rugae patterns were assessed using manual and non-manual methods according to the Modified Thomas and Kotze and Hauser classification systems. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square, one-way ANOVA, and Fisher’s exact tests.
Results: The wavy pattern was the most prevalent rugae type across all groups. Significant differences were observed in the frequencies of left breaks (P = 0.04), total breaks (P = 0.04), right converging (P = 0.01), and total converging patterns (P = 0.05). The odds ratios for developing a long face (vertical pattern) were 13.2 for right converging, 3.27 for total converging, 0.4 for total breaks, and 0.3 for left breaks patterns.
Conclusion: A converging rugae pattern, particularly on the right side, is associated with an increased likelihood of vertical growth pattern, whereas a breaks pattern, especially on the left side, is more frequently observed in individuals with normal vertical facial growth.

Keywords

Main Subjects

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Journal of Oral Health and Oral Epidemiology
Volume 15
Pages 1-9

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History

  • Receive Date: 06 September 2025
  • Revise Date: 26 February 2026
  • Accept Date: 01 June 2026

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