Bias and accuracy of age estimation using developing teeth in 946 children (original) (raw)

Developing teeth are used to assess maturity and estimate age in several disciplines. The aim of the study was to determine which of the most well known dental age estimation methods was best at estimating age. The target sample of dental radiographs (N 5 946, ages 3-16) was described by Maber et al. (Forensic Sci Int 159 (2006) S68-S73). Seven mandibular permanent teeth (I 1-M 2) were assessed, and dental age was calculated using four dental maturity scales and fifteen methods that use data for individual teeth. The mean difference between dental age and real age was calculated (bias) as well as several other measures of accuracy (mean/median absolute difference, percentage aged to within six months and to within 10% of real age). Most methods estimated age with significant bias and standard deviation of bias ranged from 0.86 to 1.03 years. Analysis by age group showed most methods over-aged younger children, and