Third Molar Development: Evaluation of Nine Tooth Development Registration Techniques for Age Estimations

• NCJ Number: 246051
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 58 Issue: 2 Dated: March 2013 Pages: 393-397
• Author(s): Patrick W. Thevissen, M.Sc.; Steffen Fieuws, Ph.D.; Guy Willems, Ph.D.
• Date Published: March 2013
• Length: 5 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Technical); Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The aim of this study was to detect which third molar development registration technique was most promising to use as a tool for subadult age estimation.

Abstract

Multiple third molar development registration techniques exist. Therefore the aim of this study was to detect which third molar development registration technique was most promising to use as a tool for subadult age estimation. On a collection of 1,199 panoramic radiographs the development of all present third molars was registered following 9 different registration techniques [Gleiser, Hunt (GH); Haavikko (HV); Demirjian (DM); Raungpaka (RA); Gustafson, Koch (GK); Harris, Nortje (HN); Kullman (KU); Moorrees (MO); Cameriere (CA)]. Regression models with age as response and the third molar registration as predictor were developed for each registration technique separately. The MO technique disclosed highest R2 (F 51 percent, M 45 percent) and lowest root mean squared error (F 3.42 years; M 3.67 years) values, but differences with other techniques were small in magnitude. The amount of stages utilized in the explored staging techniques slightly influenced the age predictions. Abstract published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons.