Comparison of age estimation methods among 7–16-year-old patients attending a dental college in Bangalore, India

Age estimation in children and adolescents is a fundamental question and is an essential to answer a variety of legal questions. The teeth are useful predictors of age in this age-group, particularly because of their relative accuracy. There is an existence of different patterns of maturation among different populations. Aims: To evaluate the validity of Demirjian’s method using Indian specific formula, Willem’s method, Cameriere’s method. A cross – sectional study was done in total of 100 Pre – treatment OPG’s (orthopantomogram) of 7 – 16 year old patients were assessed for tooth development by using Demirjian’s method using Indian specific formula, Willem’s method, Cameriere’s method. Mann – Whitney test is used to obtain most valid method. The Willem’s method was found to be the most accurate method, followed by Cameriere’s method, and Demirjian’s method using Indian specific formula. Dental findings assessed by radiography are an important source of information in forensic odontological age determination.