Maxillary first premolar shape (and not size) as an indicator of sexual dimorphism: A 2D geomorphometric study

Abstract

Introduction The primary aim of the study is to evaluate the morphological form of the maxillary first premolar using 2D geomorphometry and evaluate the sexually dimorphic characteristics. Methods The present study was carried out on standardized photographs of right Maxillary first premolar from 55 dental casts (33 male and 22 females). Nineteen landmarks (based on geometric and anatomic evidence) were marked on the tooth using TPSdig software and analysed using Morpho J applying procrustes analysis and discriminant function analysis Results The results showed similar centroid sizes between gender (p = 0.606). Procrustes ANOVA for shape analysis showed a greater dimorphism between sexs (f value of 1.4 ; p value=0.0624). Discriminant function analysis based on the procrustes coordinates showed an overall accuracy of 90.91 % in classifying sex based on the landmark coordinates with correct classification of 20/22 (90.99%) females and 30/33 (90.91) males. Conclusion Shape of the tooth can be measured objectively using geometric morphometric methods which can be utilized to identify the sex of an individual. Enamel covering the crown of the teeth is biologically stable resisting climatic, physical and chemical insults. The enamel is derived from ectoderm and once formed does not change during the life. The tooth's structure and shape are determined by the sex chromosomes, which is well represented as sexual dimorphism. The study evaluates the occlusal and contact area morphology of premolars. These are important parameters considered during restorative treatment, functional rehabilitation and forensic investigations.