Tiempo empleado para estimar edad dental en niños peruanos comparando el método de Demirjian y el cuadro integral del enfoque de Demirjian: un estudio piloto / Time spent to estimate dental age in peruvian children comparing the demirjian method and the comprehensive chart based on demirjian method: a pilot study

El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar el tiempo empleado al estimar la edad dental (ED) entre el método propuesto por Demirjian et al. y el cuadro integral del enfoque de Demirjian (DAEcc) utilizando radiografías panorámicas digitales de individuos peruanos de 5 a 13 años residentes en Lima. Se realizó un estudio no experimental, comparativo, transversal y retrospectivo. Se utilizaron 100 radiografías panorámicas digitales que presentaban siete dientes permanentes mandibulares izquierdos. Una odontóloga forense capacitada y calibrada determinó el tiempo utilizado en evaluar la maduración dental y la estimación de ED con dos métodos (Demirjian y DAEcc). La unidad de medida utilizada fue los minutos (min.). No hubo diferencias en el tiempo de evaluación del estadio de maduración dental entre ambos métodos (p<0,05). El tiempo para estimar ED fue estadísticamente inferior con DAEcc (2,09 min) que con Demirjian (4,19 min). La diferencia del tiempo total de evaluación resultó estadísticamente significativa entre ambos métodos (Δ2,1 min.; 2,05-2,11; p=0,000). La aplicación del DAEcc redujo en 50 % el tiempo empleado en estimar ED en comparación con los cuadros propuestos por Demirjian. Aunque la odontología forense se centra en el estudio de la eficacia de estimación de la edad, es necesario abordar también su uso práctico.

SUMMARY: The objective of this study was to compare the time used to estimate dental age (DA) between the method proposed by Demirjian et al., and the comprehensive chart for dental age estimation (DAEcc) using digital panoramic radiographs of Peruvian individuals aged 5 to 13 years residing in Lima. A non- experimental, comparative, cross-sectional and retrospective study was carried out. 100 digital panoramic radiographs showing seven mandibular left permanent teeth were used. A trained and calibrated forensic odontologist determined the time used to assess tooth maturation and DA estimation with two methods (Demirjian and DAEcc). The unit of measurement used was minutes (min.). There were no differences in the evaluation time of the dental maturation stage between both methods (p<0.05). The time spent to estimate DA was statistically less with DAEcc (2.09 min) than with Demirjian (4.19 min). The difference in total evaluation time was statistically significant between both methods (Δ2.1 min; 2.05-2.11; p=0.000).The application of DAEcc reduced by 50 % the time spent estimating DA compared to the method proposed by Demirjian. Although forensic odontology focuses on the study of the effectiveness of age estimation, its practical use needs to be addressed as well.

Estimation of dental age using Willems method and comparing it with Demirjian's method in 7–14-year-old children of Uttarakhand

Aim: The aim of this comparative study was to estimate the dental age using Willems method by assessing the developmental stages of left seven permanent mandibular teeth in 7–14 years of age groups with the help of digital orthopantomogram and comparing it with Demirjian's method to conclude which method was more appropriate and better in Indian population of Uttarakhand region. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 digital orthopantomogram films of patients in the age group of 7-14 years was collected over the study period of 3 years from July 2014 to January 2017 and was equally distributed by convenience sampling. Group I included 50 boys and Group II included 50 girls aging 7–14 years of age (as permanent 7 teeth in the 3rd quadrant were to be assessed and scored according to the Demirjian's table, the 7–14 age group was selected). The date of birth of the subject was documented against their allocated identification number. Dental age according to Willem's method was calculated using Willem's table and Demirjian and Goldstein's table scores were used to calculate dental age by Demirjian's method. Results: Willems method was more accurate and better than Demirjian's method as it showed less mean percentage error, i.e., 0.34% as compared to 15.94% obtained from Demirjian's method in Group II and 2.19% as compared to 8.05% obtained from Demirjian's method in Group I. Conclusion: The results suggested that Willems method of dental age estimation was an effective method of age estimation and was better and more accurate than Demirjian's method.

Evaluating the accuracy of two different age estimation methods in growing children in Navi Mumbai using Orthopantomograph A radiographic study

Background: Age estimation through dental maturity indicators is relatively more accurate, reliable, and valid for living as well as dead individuals. It acts as an important tool in diagnosis and treatment planning in clinical as well as in forensic dentistry. There are various methods to estimate the dental age. Out of which, Demirjian's method has been widely used in various populations. However, there is a dearth of literature on Indian population comparing Demirjian's method to Cameriere's method. Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of Demirjian's and Cameriere's age estimation methods to chronological age in growing children using orthopantomograph (OPG). Setting and Design: The sample consisted of digital OPGs of 280 children in Navi Mumbai aged 5–16 years. Materials and Methods: Digital OPGs were used to assess the dental maturity of seven mandibular left teeth using Demirjian and Cameriere's method and were compared to the chronological age. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed using Student's t tests. Result: Irrespective of gender, dental age estimated by Cameriere's method (mean 10.23 ± 2.79 years), underestimated the chronological age (mean 11.74 ± 2.86 years) for overall population which showed statistically significant difference. Demirjian's method overestimated (mean 12.24 ± 3.06 years) the chronological age for the overall population but was statistically insignificant. Conclusion: Demirjian's method is more closely in correlation with the chronological age of growing children as compared to the Cameriere method when applied to children of age 5–16 years in Navi Mumbai.

Comparison of the Accuracy of Age Estimation Methods on Saudi Arabian Population - A Cross Sectional Study

Identity and legal culpability hinges on age estimation in modern society. There are several biometric methods for accurate age determination that have validity in medico-legal proceedings globally. The accuracy of conventional methods should be reassessed periodically to ascertain validity in differing global societies. This study aims to evaluate the comparative accuracy of three age determination methods based on non-invasive radiographic odontometric data when applied to a sample of Saudi population. MethodsThis cross-sectional study is done on 350 subjects of Saudi Arabian population, aged between 4 and 16 years. The same set of radiographs is used in all three methods and the dental age estimation is done by trained examiners who determine the age using Demirjian’s, Willem’s and the London Atlas Method. Statistical analysis is done using the IBM SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) software (version 19). Significance of differences between the chronological age and the estimated dental age was calculated using paired ‘t’ test (P value of < 0.05 was considered significant. ResultsThe chronological age was above estimated age by all three methods used to assess male samples. Significant difference was seen with William's method (p=0.000) and the the London Atlas Method (p=0.000), and no significant difference was seen with Demirjian's method (p=0.102). Demirjian's method estimated the age above chronological age for females while the other two methods were below in their estimates. There were significant differences only between the London Atlas estimates and chronological age in females (p = 0.020). ConclusionsAge estimated by Demirjian’s method on Saudi population is most accurate among the methods tested. Boys showed more variations than girls when the ages were measured. Changing diet and socioeconomic factors influence growth and development of children, and this can alter the anticipated outcomes of age determination by mathematical methods.

Accuracy of Demirjian's and Indian-specific formulae in age estimation using eight-teeth method in Kanyakumari population

Background: Most of the scientific formulae for age estimation in forensic odontology were tested among western population and hence cannot be applied to the Indian population consistently. Therefore, it was in this context that Dr. Ashith B. Acharya had carried out a study using the modified Demirjian's method in Indian population and found out that the study gave inferior results for age estimation. So he developed Indian-specific regression analysis and worked out a formula. Aim: This study was done to validate age using Demirjian's eight-teeth method and to compare the effectiveness of Demirjian's formula and Indian-specific formula in Kanyakumari population. Material and Methods: Digital orthopantomographs of 150 patients fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria in the age group of 8–24 years were used in the study. The third quadrant in the radiograph was assessed visually from mandibular central incisor to the third molar using Demirjian's modified criteria chart. Calculation of the dental age was done using Demirjian's formula and Ashith B. Acharya's Indian-specific formula. The difference between chronological age and dental age was calculated, and the mean absolute error (MAE) was obtained. Results: The MAE was 0.20 years for the whole of Kanyakumari population, and for males it was 0.10 years and for females 0.29 years with Indian-specific formula, whereas the MAE was 2.66, 1.86, and 3.51 years, respectively, for the whole of Kanyakumari population, males, and females using Demirjian's formula. Conclusion: The observations from this study suggest that the MAE was less between chronological age and estimated dental age which was calculated using Indian-specific formula, compared with the values obtained using Demirjian's formula. Thereby we conclude that Indian-specific formula is more reliable in age estimation of Kanyakumari population.

Accuracy of Demirjian’s Method to Estimate Chronological Age in 5‒17-Year-Old Iranian Population

Introduction:To detect physiological maturity of a child, use of dental and skeletal development can be helpful. The Demirjian’s Method is one of the commonly used methods to estimate dental age. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the validity of Demirjian method in Iranian population with different races.Materials and Methods:The present cross-sectional study was performed on a randomly selected sample of panoramic radiographs of 3073 patients aged 5‒17 years. The chronological age (CA) was calculated by subtracting the date of birth from the date on which the radiographs were taken. Estimated age (EA) was performed by Demirjian method using seven left mandibular teeth. Paired t-test was used to compare differences between chronological and estimated age.Results:The mean of CA was 11.14±2.61 years whereas the mean EA was 11.35±2.62; Original Research Article therefore, EA was calculated 2.5 months more than CA. According to paired t-test the difference between CA & EA was significant (P≤ 0.001). Pearson’s correlation coefficient showed a strong linear correlation between CA and EA in total (r=0.891, P≤0.001), in girls (r=0.895, P≤ 0.001) and in boys (r=0.876, P≤ 0.001). The new regression line equation based on Iranian standards would be CA=1.08±0.89EA in total, CA=1.09±0.89EA in girls and CA=1.12+0.88EA in boys. Conclusion:Using Demirjian’sMethod overestimated dental age in the Iranian population. A new regression line equation based on Iranian standards was obtained according to the results of the present study

Research Progress of Age Estimation Based on the Demirjian's Method / 法医学杂志

In recent years, individual age estimation has gained increasing attention in forensic practice. Common age estimation methods mainly use developments of teeth and bones. Compared with bones, teeth are stronger and are highly resistant to external factors, therefore plays an important role in age estimation. Demirjian's method is one of the most commonly used methods to evaluate dental age and has been widely used in many countries. In this paper, the accuracy of its application in different populations is reviewed. It is found that compared with the chronological ages, most of the estimated ages are overestimated. By combining research results of many scholars and by analyzing, it can be assumed that this situation may be related with race, region, sex, etc.

Application of Demirjian's and Cameriere's Method in Dental Age Estimation of 8-16 Year Old Adolescents from Hunan Han Nationality / 法医学杂志

Objective To apply Demirjian's and Cameriere's method for dental age estimation of adolescents from Hunan Han nationality, and compare the accuracy of the two methods. Methods A total of 480 orthopantomograms of?8-16 year?old adolescents from Hunan Han nationality?with no special diseases and good nutritional status were collected?by Xiangya Stomatological Hospital of Central South University from January, 2016 to July, 2017, among them 236 males and 244 females. The dental age of each adolescent was determined by Demirjian's method and Cameriere's method, respectively, and the paired t-test of the estimated dental age and the chronological age determined by the two methods was conducted by SPSS 20.0 software to compare the difference between estimated dental age and chronological age. Results Mean chronological age of males and females was 11.91 and 11.88 years, respectively. The estimated dental age determined by Demirjian's method showed an underestimate of chronological age by an average of 0.11 years （males） and 0.15 years （females）, while the estimated dental age determined by Cameriere's method showed an underestimate of chronological age by an average of 0.83 years （males） and 0.72 years （females）. Conclusion Demirjian's method is more accurate than Cameriere's method in dental age estimation of adolescents from Hunan Han nationality, therefore more suitable for dental age estimation of adolescents in this region.

Concordancia entre la Edad Cronológica y Edad Dental Según el Método de Demirjian en Pacientes Mexicanos / Concordance Between Chronological Age and Dental Age by the Demirjian Method in Mexican Patients

RESUMEN: En la práctica forense un dato de gran importancia es la edad cronológica de los pacientes, este puede obtenerse de múltiples formas, algunas son complejas, costosas y tardadas, el cálculo de la edad dental (ED) por vía radiográfica es sencillo y de bajo costo, ha mostrado ser concordante con la edad cronológica (EC), presentando variaciones por sexo y raza. El objetivo de este estudio es establecer la concordancia de la ED y la EC en población mexicana. Este es un estudio transversal, observacional en el que un residente estandarizado evaluó 88 Ortopantomografías (44 femeninos y 44 masculinos) de manera cegada respecto a la EC, del archivo de la clínica de Ortodoncia de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, con edades desde los 3 a los 16 años. Existe una diferencia en meses de 3,36 entre los valores ED y EC en el total de la población (p=0,384) con una concordancia de 94 % entre los valores. Al analizarlos por sexo los masculinos muestran una diferencia de 5,16 (P=0,785) con una concordancia de 96 % y los femeninos de 7,32 (P=0,095) con una concordancia de 92 %. La ED según Demirjian es un método confiable para estimar la EC en esta población.

ABSTRACT: In forensic practice knowledge of chronological age (CA) is an important factor, and it can be estimated by several methods. Some are complex, expensive and time consuming. Dental Age (DA) estimation by radiographic methods is easy and inexpensive, it has shown to be consistent with chronological age (CA), with variations according to sex and race. The objective of this study was to estimate the concordance between DA and CA in Mexicans. This is a cross sectional, observational study, in which a standardized dental resident reviewed 88 Orthopantomographies (44 female, 44 male), blinded to CA, of the Orthodontics School Files of the Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, the population was 3 to 16 years of age. The main difference in months between DA and CA was 3.36 (p=0.384) and 94 % of concordance, the analysis by sex for males showed a main difference of 5.16 (P=0.785) and 96 % concordance; for females it showed 7.32 (P=0.095) and concordance of 92 %. In conclusion the DA according to Demirjian is a reliable method to estimate CA in these patients.

Estimación de la edad dental en radiografías panorámicas en niños y adolescentes de 7 a 17 años mediante el método de Demirjian, Cuenca ­ Ecuador / Estimation of dental age in panoramic radiographs in children and adoloescents from 7-17 years through Demirjian method, Cuenca ­ Ecuador

La edad es un indicador de maduración somática dental, de importancia clínica en Odontología para la planificación del tratamiento de pacientes en crecimiento. El método de Demirjian es el más ampliamente difundido para estimar la edad dental. Con este método se han realizado numerosos estudios en diferentes grupos étnicos, analizándose niños europeos, asiáticos y americanos, entre otros. Estos resultados sugieren posibles diferencias en los patrones de maduración dental entre las diferentes poblaciones. El objetivo del presente estudio fue correlacionar la edad dental, utilizando el método de Demirjian, con la edad cronológica de acuerdo al género en un grupo de niños que acudieron al Centro Radiológico "Innova" ubicado en Cuenca - Ecuador en el período 2012 ­ 2014, siendo este estudio de tipo descriptivo, retrospectivo y analítico, en donde se seleccionó una muestra estratificada por edad y genero incluyendo 362 radiografías, de las cuales 205 son de género femenino y 157 de género masculino. Se obtuvo un coeficiente de correlación inter- clase, como medida de correlación entre edad dental y cronológica, de 0,830 en el género femenino y 0,801 en el género masculino. En general el método de Demirjian tendió a subestimar la edad dental en niñas y en niños de manera similar. En conclusión, los resultados obtenidos en el presente trabajo no coinciden con numerosos lugares del mundo, es decir la edad dental en este grupo fue levemente menor tanto en las niñas como en los niños que la muestra original franco ­ canadiense. El rango obtenido, de la edad dental no es similar a la edad cronológica pero el grado de correlación entre ambas es el adecuado para aplicar en nuestra población, presentándose de igual manera de acuerdo al género por lo que se elaboró una tabla estándar para la población Cuencana. Consideramos que el método de Demirjian es aplicable a esta muestra de niños utilizando la base de datos planteada en la presente investigación

Age is an indicator of dental somatic maturation, of clinical importance in dentistry for planning the treatment of growing patients. The Demirjian method is the most widely disseminated to estimate dental age. With this method, numerous studies have been carried out in different ethnic groups, analyzing European, Asian and American children, among others. These results suggest possible differences in dental maturation patterns between different populations. The aim of the present study was to correlate the dental age, using the Demirjian method, with the chronological age according to gender in a group of children who attended the Radiological Center "Innova" located in Cuenca-Ecuador in the period 2012 - 2014, This study was descriptive, retrospective and analytical, in which a sample stratified by age and gender was selected, including 362 radiographs, of which 205 are female and 157 male. An inter-class correlation coefficient was obtained, as a measure of correlation between dental and chronological age, of 0.830 in the female gender and 0.801 in the male gender. In general, Demirjian's method tended to underestimate dental age in girls and boys in a similar way. In conclusion, the results obtained in the present work do not coincide with many places in the world, that is, the dental age in this group was slightly lower in both girls and boys than the original Franco - Canadian sample. The obtained range of dental age is not similar to the chronological age but the degree of correlation between both is adequate to apply in our population, presenting itself in the same way according to gender, so a standard table for the population was elaborated Cuencana. We consider that the Demirjian method is applicable to this sample of children using the database proposed in the present investigation.

Comparación de los métodos de Nolla, Demirjian y Moorrees en la estimación de la edad dental con fines forenses / Comparison of Nolla, Demirjian and Moorrees methods for dental age calculation for forensic purposes

RESUMEN: Objetivo: El propósito de este estudio fue comparar tres métodos de estimación de la edad dental (ED) con fines forenses. Material y métodos: Se seleccionaron 512 radiografías panorámicas de sujetos de Maracaibo, estado Zulia, Venezuela, de ambos sexos (272 hembras y 240 varones), con edades cronológicas (EC) entre 6-18 años. Se asignaron los estadios de maduración propuestos por Nolla, Moorrees et al y Demirjian et al a siete dientes mandibulares permanentes del lado izquierdo, la ED fue calculada de acuerdo con la metodología de cada autor. Se obtuvo la EC en la cual se observaron los diferentes estadios de maduración, así como las diferencias de media entre la EC y la ED estimada por cada método mediante un test de Student para muestras relacionadas. Resultados: En general, las hembras alcanzaron los estadios de maduración a edades más tempranas que los varones. Se evidenció en el total de la muestra, una sobreestimación de la edad para el método de Demirjian et al (-0.14 ± 1.45), mientras que para el de Nolla y Moorrees et al se observó una subestimación, esta subestimación fue mayor para el método de Moorrees et al (2.63 ± 2.09) que para el de Nolla (0.42 ± 1.38), siendo que las diferencias encontradas entre la EC y la ED fueron estadísticamente significativas. Conclusión: Se determinó que para el total de la muestra, el método de Demirjian et al fue el más preciso.

ABSTRACT: Objective: The purpose of the present study was to compare three methods for calculation of dental age (DA) to be used for forensic purposes. Material and methods: 512 panoramic X-rays of subjects of both genders living in Maracaibo, State of Zulia, Venezuela were selected (272 females, 240 males). Selected subjects were in the 6-18 years chronological age (CA) range. Maturation stages of Nolla, Moorrees et al and Demirjian et al were assigned to seven permanent teeth of the left side, and DA was calculated according to methodology of each author. CA was obtained where different stages of maturation were observed, as well as mean difference between DA and CA as calculated with each method were obtained with a t student test for related samples. Results: In general, females reached maturation stages at earlier ages than males. The total sample revealed age over-estimation for the Demirjian method (-0.14 ± 1.45), whereas, a sub-calculation was observed for the Nolla and Moorrees et al method. This under-estimation was greater for the Moorrees at al method (2.63 ± 2.09) when compared to Nolla method (0.42 ± 1.38) and differences between DA and CA were found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: In the total studied sample, it was determined that Demirjian et al method was the most accurate.

Estimación de Edad Dentaria Utilizando el Método de Demirjian en Niños de 5 a 15 Años de Curicó, Chile / Dental Age Estimation Using the Demirjian's Method in Children 5 to 15 Years of Age in Curicó, Chile

El método de Demirjian (MD) es el más ampliamente difundido para estimar la edad dental (ED). Con este método se han realizado numerosos estudios en diferentes grupos étnicos, analizándose niños europeos, asiáticos y norteamericanos entre otros. Estos resultados sugieren posibles diferencias en los patrones de maduración dental entre las diferentes poblaciones. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la edad dentaria aplicando el MD en una muestra de 363 ortopantomografías de pacientes entre 5 y 15 años, obtenidas de un centro radiológico maxilofacial privado en Curicó, VII región, Chile. Se obtuvo un coeficiente de correlación inter-clase (CCI), como medida de correlación entre edad dental y cronológica, de 0,974 (CCI 95% 0,968­0,979). El CCI para niños fue de 0,972 (CCI 95% 0,963- 0,979) y en el caso de las niñas fue de 0,977 (CCI 95% 0,969­0,983). En general, el método de Demirjian tendió a sobreestimar la edad en los niños y niñas. La ED observada fue mayor que la edad cronológica (EC) en 130 niños y en 138 niñas, resultó igual a la EC en 13 niños y 8 niñas, y fue menor que la EC en 38 niños y 33 niñas. En conclusión, nuestros resultados coinciden con hallazgos en numerosos lugares del mundo, es decir, la ED en este grupo se fue levemente mayor que la muestra original franco-canadiense. Sin embargo, el rango obtenido de la ED es similar al de la EC y el grado de correlación entre ambas es casi perfecto al aplicar el CCI. El grado de correlación entre ambas edades para cada sexo también es muy bueno. Por lo tanto, consideramos que el MD es aplicable a esta muestra de niños.

The Demirjian's method (DM) is the most widely used method for estimating dental age. A number of studies with this method have been performed in different ethnic groups, with European, Asian y North American children being analyzed among others. Possible differences in patterns of dental maturation among different population have been suggested. The aim of this study was to determine dental age with the DM in a sample of 363 panoramic radiographs from children 5-15 years old, obtained from a private radiological maxillofacial center in Curicó, Chile. An inter-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was obtained as a measure of correlation between dental and chronological age of 0.974 (ICC 95% 0.968-0.979). The ICC for boys was 0.972 (ICC 95% 0.963- 0.979) and 0.977 for girls (CCI 95% 0.969-0.983). In general, DM overestimated the age in girls and boys. Dental age (DA) was observed to be higher than chronological age (CA) in 130 boys and 138 girls; DA was equal to CA in 13 boys y 8 girls and lower than CE in 38 boys and 33 girls. In conclusion, our study concurs with several other studies in other places of the world, indeed the DA was found to be higher when compared to the original French-Canadian sample. However, the range obtained for DA is similar to CA and the degree of correlation between both is almost perfect when applying ICC. The degree of correlation between both ages for each sex was found as very good. Furthermore, we consider that DM can be applied to this sample of children.

Edad dental según los métodos Demirjian y Nolla en niños peruanos de 4 a 15 años / Dental age according to Demirjian and Nolla methods in peruvian children of 4 to 15 years old

Objetivo. Determinar qué método, Demirjian o Nolla, es más preciso en la determinación de la edad en niños peruanos de 4 a 15 años. Material y métodos. Se evaluaron 59 radiografías panorámicas, 25 del sexo masculino y 34 del femenino; se determinó la edad dental según los métodos mencionados, y posteriormente se comparó esta con la edad cronológica. Resultados. Se encontró una diferencia significativa entre la edad dental y la edad cronológica determinada con método Demirjian; la edad fue sobrestimada en 0.94 años. Con el método Nolla no se encontró una diferencia significativa entre ambas edades; la edad fue subestimada en -0.24 años. Conclusiones. El método Nolla es más preciso para estimar la edad dental, según la muestra de estudio empleada, por no haber diferencias significativas entre la edad dental y la edad cronológica.

Objective. To determine which method, Demirjian or Nolla, is more accurate in determining the age in peruvian children of 4 to 15 year old. Materials and methods. 59 panoramic radiographs were evaluated, 25 of male and 34 of female; dental age was determined according to both methods, and then compared this one with chronological age. Results. When using the Demirjian method a significant difference between dental age and chronological age was found, the age was overestimated in 0.94 years. With the Nolla method we found no significant difference between the two ages, age was underestimated -0.24 years. Conclusions. The Nolla method is more accurate to estimate the dental age, according to the study sample used, there is no significant difference between dental age and chronological age.

Age Estimation Based On Chronological Stages of Mandibular Third Molar Development.

Age estimation using forensic methodologies cover both living and dead people. In this regard, teeth are far more beneficial for being among the most indestructible tissues of the body, both in life and after death. Considering that maturity is function of age the objective of our study was to explore the utility of stages of tooth development in estimating the chronological age, which may be considered as a tool in forensic investigations. The inference drawn from the observations of the study results support the fact that the developmental stages of mandibular third molar yields acceptable estimates of chronological age of a suitable individual.