Dermatoglyphics in Orthodontics:A Review

The word dermatoglyphics is basically a greek word meaning derma=skin, glyphae = carve. It is the scientific study of friction ridges on the palmar and plantar surfaces of hand and feet. Fingerprints are usually formed at the 13th to 19th week of an embryo. It is revealed 6 months after birth. They remain constant, except for the change in their sizes. Embryological development of oro dental structures occurs around the same time. Hence many studies were done to establish the association between dermatoglyphics and dental and skeletal malocclusions. In developing countries with a large population, the simplicity of dermatoglyphic technique and its inexpensiveness warrants its continued use as a diagnostic tool. When combined with other clinical and investigative features dermatoglyphic study can serve to strengthen a diagnostic impression and can be used as a useful screening device.