DIFFERENT METHODS OF AGE ESTIMATION IN CHILDREN WITH MILD TO MODERATE HYPODONTIA

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the most reliable method to provide consistent results in age estimation in patients with mild-to-moderate hypodontia.Material and Methods: A total of 126 patients (78 girls, 48 boys) with mild-to-moderate hypodontia were separated into 2 groups according to the severity of hypodontia considering similar age and sex distribution. A control group was formed of 126 age and sex-matched patients with complete dentition. The formation stages of permanent teeth on panoramic radiographs were evaluated according to the 12-stage classification of Haavikko, and the 8-stage classification of Demirjian et al. For dental age calculation, these stages were scored according to datasets provided by Haavikko, Demirjian et al. and Willems et al.Results: Agreement between dental age and chronological age was examined using the Interclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Sex did not significantly affect the difference between the methods (p=0.435; p=0.591). Calculated dental age according to the different methods showed significantly differences according to the study groups (p (group*method) =0.003; p (group*method) =0.008). In all the groups, excellent agreement levels were obtained using the Haavikko method (ICC≥0.90).Conclusions: The Haavikko method was detected as more reliable in healthy Turkish children and children with mild-to-moderate hypodontia than the Demirjian and Willems methods.