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Forensic odontology


“Does it matter if it is only a small change? Isn’t any change a change?”


Continued »


form part of the dental record belonging to that individual. While the dental cast is a direct replication of the dentition and surrounding oral tissues, intra-oral photographs present some difficulties, specifically concerning inherent distor- tion within the image. When photographing an object with the


aim of minimising distortion, the object should be perpendicular to the digital sensor within the camera – in the case of the palatal rugae this is extremely difficult due to human anatomy. Intra-oral mirrors, held at appropriate angles, are used in an attempt to correct this inherent distortion. The image is usually being taken to assess the dentition, specifically the occlusal surfaces of the teeth. In such images, there may be ‘zones’


where the palatal rugae are clearly focused, and therefore representative in shape and length. In other areas of the image, usually towards the periphery, distortion will have affected the appear- ance of the rugae, causing blurring and lack of distinction. Figure one illustrates inherent photographic distortion due to the vaulted anatomy of the human palate, with the central zone being focused and the peripheral rugae being out of focus.


REFERENCES


1. Whittaker D & MacDonald DG, 1989. A colour atlas of forensic dentistry. London: Wolfe Medical Publications Ltd. pp. 61


2. Caldas IM, Magalhaes T and Afonso A, (2007) Establishing identity using cheiloscopy and palatoscopy. Forensic Science International, 165 pp. 1-9


3. Sadler TW, (1990) Lang- man’s Medical Embryology, 6th ed., Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore. pp. 316-320


4. Amasaki H, Ogawa M, Nagasao J, Mutoh K, Ichihara N, Asari M, (2002) Distribution of apoptotic cells and apoptosis- related molecules in the devel-


48 Scottish Dental magazine Another issue surrounds the concept


of ‘normal accepted growth’. It seems that the pattern changes over time are less well understood. Changes in orien- tation of the rugae and changes in the shape of the rugae are still changes, no matter how small they may be. While the distinctiveness of palatal rugae patterns to an individual may be accepted, it is more difficult to assess lifelong stability of the rugae pattern from the methodologies used in studies to date. The hypothesis this technique bases


itself on is that the palatal rugae pattern is distinct to the individual and does not change throughout life, except for an increase in length due to normal growth. If we consider the hypothesis differ- ently, it is actually stating that there is a change in the rugae pattern and that it should be expected in accordance with normal growth. The distinct pattern may appear ‘differ-


ently’ in the same individual at various phases within that individual’s chrono- logical and dental development. But what is ‘normal’ growth? Is growth accurately predictable? Is growth uniform across age, ethnicity and the global population? If palatal rugae are to be relied upon as a supportive method of human identifica- tion, can we tolerate any change? Does it


oping murine palatine rugae. Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, 64(12) pp. 1103-1106


5. Ritter R, (1943) Uber die Form, den Verlauf und die Typeneinteilung der Gaumenleistenzeitschrift fur Morpholgie und Anthropologie, 40 pp. 367


6. Sassouni V, (1957) Palato Print, Physioprint and Roent- genographic Cephalometry as New Mothods in Human Iden- tification (preliminary report). Journal of Forensic Sciences, 2 pp. 428-442


7. English WR, Summitt JB, Oesterle LJ, Brannon RB, Morlang WM, (1988) Individu- ality of human palatal rugae.


matter if it is only a small change? Isn’t any change a change? Longitudinal studies may help resolve


some of these questions, and are necessary if we are to accurately observe the behav- iour and stability of the rugae pattern over a lifetime. Monitoring the palatal rugae patterns in a group of patients, starting from around age ı4 when the dental arch width is considered fully developed and following the rugae pattern into late adulthood, is one way we can truly assess lifelong stability of the pattern, or other- wise. Even with necessary ethical approval in place for such a study, the logistics of acquiring and maintaining a suitable, consistent sample over a long number of years may prove challenging. The current usefulness of rugoscopy


as a supportive technique in human forensic identification may be improved by the development of practical and cost-effective three-dimensional intra- oral recording devices. Used along with complementary software, 3D images of the palate would help reduce the effects of distortion in current 2D clinical images, potentially elevating the usefulness of this technique. The variation between the palatal


patterns of individuals is often minor, and the inherent distortion when comparing what is in life a 3D structure as a flat, 2D image limits current usefulness of this technique. The development of palatal rugoscopy may only reach fruition when 3D technology becomes commonplace. Interestingly, the Brazilian government


Journal of Forensic Sciences, 33 pp. 718-726


8. Limson KS & Julian R, (2004) Computerized recording of the palatal rugae pattern and an evaluation of its application in forensic identification. The Journal of Forensic Odonto- Stomatology, 22(1) pp.1-4


9. Lysell L, (1955) Plicae Palatinae Transversae and Papilla Incisiva in Man: A Morphologic and Genetic Study. Acta Odontologica Scan- dinavica, 13, Supp. 18 pp. 5-137


10. Yamazaki Y, (1962) Morpho- logical study of plicae palatinae transversae and papilla incisiva in the Japanese. Anthropology Rep Niigata, 34 pp. 36-58


11. Van der Linden FPGM, (1978) Changes in the position of posterior teeth in relation to ruga points. American Journal of Orthodontics, 74 pp. 142-161


12. Hauser G, Daponte A and Roberts MJ, (1989) Palatal rugae. Journal of Anatomy, 165 pp.237-249


13. Leontsinis S, (1952) Da Necessidade da Ficha Odontorugoscopia Completa na Identificacao des Combatentes de Guerra, Rev. Beasiliera. Odontology, 60 pp. 292-300


14. Almeida MA, Philips C, Kula K, Tulloch C. (1995) Stability of the palatal rugae as landmarks for analysis


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