A dermatoglyphic predictive and comparative study of Class I, Class II, div. 1, div.2 and Class III malocclusions.

ABSTRACT

A study was conducted using dermatoglyphics to predict and compare Class I, Class II, div. 1, div.2 and Class III malocclusions. A total of 96 subjects were divided into 3 malocclusion groups, i.e. Class I (control group), Class II, div.1, div.2 and Class III (experimental group) in the ages of 12-14 years. The dermatoglyphic findings revealed that the craniofacial Class II, div. 1, div.2 pattern was associated with increased frequency of arches and ulnar loops and decreased frequency of whorls, whereas in Class III, there was an increased frequency of arches and radial loops with decreased frequency of ulnar loops. In predicting Class III malocclusion, based on frequency of arches, the sensitivity values were found to be higher and more reliable than the sensitivity values of Class II, div.1 and div.2 malocclusion.