Background: Skin is the largest human organ, which performs a dynamic role in life. The ectodermal layers of the skin found on the palm with intricate lines are stable throughout life and have grabbed scientific attention. Any disturbances during their formation might possibly have the likelihood of a person developing malocclusion.
Aims and objectives: The aims of this study were to evaluate and compare the dermatoglyphic pattern with various skeletal malocclusions.
Materials and methods: The study was carried out on 40 outpatients reported with an age group of 18-20 years divided into four groups as follows: Group: I - 10 (Class I occlusion), Group: II - 10 (skeletal Class I malocclusion), Group: III - 10 (skeletal Class II malocclusion), and Group: IV - 10 (skeletal Class III malocclusion). The fingerprints were recorded using scanner exclusively designed for diagnostic purpose of the study. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS statistics software Version 23.0 to find which groups had significant differences.
Results and conclusion: Increased frequency of arch pattern was present in participants with Class I malocclusion, and loop patterns were observed in those with Class I occlusion and Class III malocclusion and whorl patterns in Class II malocclusion with P < 0.05. Dermatoglyphic pattern remains constant throughout life and it can be used as a noninvasive aid in determining the development of malocclusion at a very early age.
Keywords: Dermatoglyphics; fingerprint patterns; malocclusion.