Forensic Age Estimation on Digital Panoramic Radiographics by Application of KVAALS Technique

Age is one of the essential factors in establishing the identity of a person. The objective of this study was to assess the age of subjects using Kvaal's method from digital orthopantomographs and compare this estimated age with the actual age of the subjects. Age was calculated for 100 subjects between 20 to 60 years using Kvaal's method on digital orthopantomographs and the mean estimated age was compared with the actual age. After a thorough statistical analysis, the results were obtained, which showed that there was no significant difference between estimated age and actual age of the subjects. The results suggsted the feasibility of Kvaal's method for age estimation in the set sample. Also it gives a scope for future studies on larger sample size with adequate representation of samples from different age groups and sex distribution.