Palatal Rugae Patterns in Class I Angle Malocclusion between Sexes during the Permanent Dentition Phase in the Javanese Population

Background: The development of palatal rugae begins during the intrauterine period. The morphology of the palatal rugae is largely influenced by genetic factors, including growth differences based on sex. The Javanese population has the largest distribution in Indonesia. Different populations exhibit morphological variations, indicating a genetic role in the formation of palatal rugae patterns. Palatal rugae and dental malocclusion are part of the same orofacial complex. Both palatal rugae and tooth buds originate from the same source, namely neural crest stem cells. Variations in the size and shape of the palate in different classes of malocclusion may influence the characteristics of the palatal rugae. Objectives: To identify the differences in palatal rugae patterns between males and females with Class I Angle malocclusion in the permanent dentition phase among the Javanese population. Method: This study is an observational cross-sectional research using study models of Class I Angle malocclusion in the permanent dentition phase from the Javanese population, divided into male and female groups. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was performed to assess data normality, followed by the Mann-Whitney test to determine differences between the groups. Results: The Mann-Whitney test showed that the number of wavy patterned rugae on the right side of the palatal rugae differed significantly between males and females [p < 0.05]. Conclusion: There were significant differences in the palatal rugae pattern between male and female. The wavy pattern showed the highest prevalence. The straight pattern was more dominant in females, while the wavy pattern was more dominant in males.