The Early Detector of Malocclusion: Dermatoglyphics and Lip Prints – An Invivo Study

Abstract

Background: Lip prints and fingerprints are unique to each individual and have significant applications in personal identification and forensic science. This study investigates the correlation between predominant lip and fingerprint patterns with permanent molar relationships and facial profiles among dental students.

Aim: To determine the association between lip print patterns, fingerprint patterns, permanent molar relationships, and facial profiles.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 350 female dental students from Sri Venkateshwaraa Dental College, Puducherry. Lip prints were obtained using the lipstick-cellophane method and analyzed according to Tsuchihashi and Suzuki’s classification, focusing on the middle 10 mm of the lower lip. Fingerprints were recorded using an ink pad and classified based on Galton’s classification. Molar relationships were assessed using Angle’s classification, and facial profiles were categorized as straight, convex, or concave. Data analysis included frequency distribution and Chi-square tests to identify significant associations.

Results: The distribution of molar relationships showed that Class I malocclusion was the most prevalent (67.6%), followed by Class II (24.3%) and Class III (8.1%). Correlation between Lip patterns ,Fingerprint patterns ,facial profile and molar relationships were assessed. Branched lip patterns were predominant in Class I (67.6%), Class II (65.8%), and Class III (52.4%).Reticular lip patterns were more common in Class III malocclusion (19.0%).Loop patterns of finger prints were most prevalent in Class I (45.7%), whereas whorl patterns were dominant in Class III (57.1%).Arch patterns were the least common in all malocclusion classes, with Class I showing a 10.5% prevalence.Branched lip patterns were observed in 67.6% of straight profiles and 65.6% of convex profiles. Concave profiles exhibited a higher prevalence of reticular patterns (23.1%).Loop patterns were predominant in straight (35.8%) and convex (58.7%) profiles. Whorl patterns showed the highest prevalence in concave profiles (76.9%).

Conclusion: The study highlights a significant correlation between dermatoglyphic patterns, molar relationships, and facial profiles. Early identification of these markers can help in predicting susceptibility to malocclusion and planning preventive or interceptive orthodontic treatments.