Estimation of stature in children and young adults using odontometric approach

There has been a marked increase in the number of crimes against children and young adults in the last decade, hence calling for an increase in the methods of identification of remains using forensic odontology. Dental morphometrics is a subject of great significance in forensic odontology in the identification of an individual. The use of teeth to represent a physical profile is valuable for the identification of and individual. The aim of the study was to check the reliability and accuracy of Carrea's index in deciduous and permanent dentition. The study was conducted on 51 participants in the age group 2-6 years and 51 participants in the age group of 12-20. The arch and chord values were measured intraorally using digital vernier calipers and the stature was measured using a standardized measuring tape. All this data was used to validate Carrea's formula and the results were analyzed statistically. We observed a positive correlation between measured stature and calculated stature using Carrea's index in young permanent dentition group and it was found to be statistically significant. (p-value 0.042). In females, it was more accurate as compared to males. Our results also showed that stature estimated using measurements from the dentition of the left side was more accurate as compared to the right side.