Gender determination from the mesiodistal dimension of permanent maxillary incisors and canines: An odontometric study

Abstract

Introduction: Gender determination is crucial for identification, as the number of possible matches is reduced by 50%. The inert, mineralized structures of teeth resist post-mortem degradation and survive deliberate, accidental or natural change, better than any other skeletal structure. Tooth size measurements based on odontometric investigations in a specific population can be used in gender determination. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate and estimate the accuracy of using permanent maxillary incisors and canines for gender determination. Settings and Design: The undergraduate students of a dental college, meeting the inclusion criteria, were selected. After short listing the undergraduate students through the convenience sampling technique, a total of 300 subjects were purposively selected. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 300 subjects (150 males and 150 females), the mesiodistal dimensions of the maxillary anterior teeth were taken with the help of a digital vernier calliper and manual divider, with a sharp fine tip. Statistical Analysis: The collected data was subjected to statistical analysis. The data was subsequently processed and analyzed using the SPSS software package version 17. Results: The mesiodistal dimensions of the right and left maxillary canines and central incisors were significantly different (i.e., greater) in males as compared to females. Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that the maxillary central incisors and canines revealed a statistically highly significant sexual dimorphism and could be used as an adjunct for the determination of gender in individuals, as well as in groups, such as, in mass disasters or archaeological sites.