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Background <p>Palatal rugae are irregular, asymmetrical ridges of mucosa located in the anterior third of the palate. These anatomical structures are unique to each individual and are considered to remain relatively unchanged throughout life. Because of their uniqueness and presumed stability, palatal rugae have long been used as reference points in forensic identification and orthodontic cast superimposition. However, fixed orthodontic treatment, especially in cases involving tooth extractions, introduces biomechanical forces that may influence the soft and hard tissues of the palate. This has raised concerns about the potential for post-treatment changes in rugae morphology. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether fixed orthodontic therapy, including both extraction and non-extraction protocols, induces measurable dimensional changes in the palatal rugae. The analysis focused on the transverse lengths and inter-rugae distances of the first, second, and third rugae on both sides of the midline using a high-resolution three-dimensional digital model scanning technique.</p> Results <p>Pre- and post-treatment scans of maxillary models from 50 patients were analyzed to measure rugae dimensions on the left and right sides. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in either transverse length or inter-rugae distance across treatment stages (<i>p</i> &gt; 0.05). This was consistent for all three rugae segments (first, second, and third) and across both treatment subgroups (extraction and non-extraction). Two-way repeated measures analysis further confirmed that there was no significant interaction between treatment type and rugae segment. Notably, the first palatal rugae showed the least amount of change, indicating its superior stability when compared to the second and third rugae.</p> Conclusions <p>The findings demonstrate that palatal rugae maintain their dimensional integrity following fixed orthodontic treatment, irrespective of whether extractions are involved. This confirms their reliability as stable anatomical landmarks for superimposition in orthodontic treatment planning and forensic applications. The first palatal rugae, in particular, appears to be the most stable reference point. The use of three-dimensional digital model scanning offers a non-invasive and accurate method for analyzing subtle anatomical changes, reinforcing its value in contemporary clinical orthodontics.</p>

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Stability of palatal rugae post-orthodontics: implications for forensic identification and clinical superimposition

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年8月26日

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  • Ahmed Hashim,
  • Rohan Mascarenhas,
  • Dilshad Umar,
  • Vivek Amin,
  • Subramanya Shetty,
  • Salwa Bavikara Maniyankod

摘要

Background

Palatal rugae are irregular, asymmetrical ridges of mucosa located in the anterior third of the palate. These anatomical structures are unique to each individual and are considered to remain relatively unchanged throughout life. Because of their uniqueness and presumed stability, palatal rugae have long been used as reference points in forensic identification and orthodontic cast superimposition. However, fixed orthodontic treatment, especially in cases involving tooth extractions, introduces biomechanical forces that may influence the soft and hard tissues of the palate. This has raised concerns about the potential for post-treatment changes in rugae morphology. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether fixed orthodontic therapy, including both extraction and non-extraction protocols, induces measurable dimensional changes in the palatal rugae. The analysis focused on the transverse lengths and inter-rugae distances of the first, second, and third rugae on both sides of the midline using a high-resolution three-dimensional digital model scanning technique.

Results

Pre- and post-treatment scans of maxillary models from 50 patients were analyzed to measure rugae dimensions on the left and right sides. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in either transverse length or inter-rugae distance across treatment stages (p > 0.05). This was consistent for all three rugae segments (first, second, and third) and across both treatment subgroups (extraction and non-extraction). Two-way repeated measures analysis further confirmed that there was no significant interaction between treatment type and rugae segment. Notably, the first palatal rugae showed the least amount of change, indicating its superior stability when compared to the second and third rugae.

Conclusions

The findings demonstrate that palatal rugae maintain their dimensional integrity following fixed orthodontic treatment, irrespective of whether extractions are involved. This confirms their reliability as stable anatomical landmarks for superimposition in orthodontic treatment planning and forensic applications. The first palatal rugae, in particular, appears to be the most stable reference point. The use of three-dimensional digital model scanning offers a non-invasive and accurate method for analyzing subtle anatomical changes, reinforcing its value in contemporary clinical orthodontics.