Application of willems method as an age estimator in early adolescents of Bangalore Population

Abstract

Introduction: Dental age (DA) assessment is a reliable method for chronological age (CA) estimation used for criminal, forensic, and anthropologic purposes. Age estimation also provides valuable information when the birth date is unavailable, as in case of migrants. Furthermore, the CA of living people is important for employment and marriage purpose. Objectives: The aim of the present study is to check the reliability of the Willems method in the population of Bangalore. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 205 (109 boys and 96 girls) participants by their radiographic records in the department of forensic odontology using modified Demirjian's method by Willem et al. Results: A total of 205 subjects were selected for the study, among which 109 (53.2%) were boys and 96 (46.8%) were girls. The mean CA was 12.23 ± 1.75 and the mean DA was 12.20 ± 1.99. Willems method seems to be reliable in estimating DA in Bangalore populations. Conclusion: This study showed that the Willems method gave near precise estimation of the CA.

Keywords

• chronological age
• dental age
• dental maturity
• willems method