Three-Dimensional Modeling of the Various Volumes of Canines to Determine Age and Sex: A Preliminary Study

• NCJ Number: 234669
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 56 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2011 Pages: 766-770
• Author(s): Delphine Tardivo, D.D.S.; Julien Sastre, D.D.S.; Michel Ruquet, D.D.S.; Lionel Thollon, Ph.D.; Pascal Adalian, Ph.D.; Georges Leonetti, M.D., Ph.D.; Bruno Foti, D.D.S., Ph.D.
• Date Published: May 2011
• Length: 5 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Canines are usually used in anthropological and forensic sciences for sex and age determination. The best methods to estimate age are based on secondary dentine apposition, evaluated from periapical X-rays. The aim of this study was to propose a new method of sex and age estimation using 3D models to obtain more precise predictions using tooth volumes.

Abstract

Fifty-eight dental CT scans of patients aged 14-74 with a well-balanced sex ratio composed the sample. One hundred and thirty-three healthy canines were modeled (Mimics 12.0). The sample was divided into a training sample and a validation sample. An age formula was determined using the "pulp volume/tooth volume" ratio. Sex prediction was adjusted with total volumes. Applying the equations to the validation sample, no significant difference was found between the real and predicted ages, and 100 percent of the sex predictions were correct. This preliminary study gives interesting results, and this method is worth being tested on a larger data sample. (Published Abstracts)