A comparative evaluation between cheiloscopic patterns and the permanent molar relationships to predict the future malocclusions

BACKGROUND: To assess the correlation between different cheiloscopic patterns with the permanent molar relationships. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 300 children who are 14-16 years old with completely erupted 2nd permanent molars upto occlusal table were recruited and the pattern of molar terminal plane was recorded in the proforma. Lip prints of these subjects were recorded with lipstick-cellophane method and middle 10mm of lower lip was analysed for the lip print pattern as suggested by Sivapathasundharam et al. The pattern were classified based on Tsuchihashi and Suzuki classification. RESULTS: Type II (branched) pattern was the most predominant cheiloscopic pattern. The predominant patterns which related to the Angle’s classification were; type I (complete vertical) pattern for class I, type IV (reticular) pattern for class II and presence of type IV (reticular) pattern and absence of type I’ (incomplete vertical) pattern for class III. In class III molar relationship, males showed an increased type II (branched) pattern and females showed an increased type IV (reticluar) pattern. CONCLUSIONS: Lip prints can provide an alternative to dermatoglyphics to predict malocclusions in permanent dentition. Further studies with larger sample size are required to provide an insight into its significant correlations. Key words:Cheiloscopy, Angle’s classification, malocclusion.