Skeletal Maturity Indicators & Dermatoglyphics in Orthodontics

Skeletal maturity assessment involves visual inspection of the maturing bone and their initial appearance, ossification, and related changes in shape and size. Thus, the skeletal maturity indicators provide an objective diagnostic evaluation of stage of maturity in an individual. Dermatoglyphics can serve as an early marker for the diagnosis of malocclusion.The epidermal ridges and the orofacial structures originate from the same embryonic tissue, the ectoderm. Hence,due to the same origins and concurrent development of the epidermal ridges and the orofacial structures, the genetic message contained in the genome is deciphered during this period andis reflected in dermatoglyphic patterns.If dermatoglyphics are proven to be an acceptable diagnostic tool, it can help in identifying malocclusion at an early age and thus help in preventive and interceptive treatment.This book narrates correlation of dermatoglyphics and skeletal maturity and how it is related to orthodotic field.