Introduction:
In recent years, different age estimation methods have become increasingly important to determine the age of individuals with unknown one and have played a crucial role in orthodontic treatment planning, diagnosis, and treatment timing in the correction of skeletal malocclusions. Identification of age is very important for a variety of reasons, including some social events, legal responsibility, marriage, employment.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to assess the method of Willems for dental age estimation (DA) in different age groups and to evaluate the possible correlation between DA and chronological age (CA) in Bulgarian population.
Materials and Methods:
Digital orthopantomograms of 295 subjects (180 females,115 males) who fit the study and criteria were obtained. Assessment of mandibular teeth (from central incisor to the second molar on left quadrant) development was undertaken and DA was assessed using the Willems method.
Results and Discussion:
The present study showed a significant correlation between DA and CA (Spearman’s rank test) in both males (r = 0.89 P < 0.0001) and females (r = 0.90 P < 0.0001). The Willems method overestimated the mean CA of the selected population of 295 Bulgarian subjects by -0.34 years and was statistically significant (P < 0.05). This result was valid for the age groups of 7.00–8.99 years; 9.00–10.99 years, and 11.00–12.99 years. In the age group of 13.00–14.99 years, DA coincided with HA (P ≥ 0.05). In the age group of 15.00–16.99-year-olds, the Willems method underestimated the mean CA by 0.54 (P ≤ 0.05).
Conclusion:
This study showed significant correlation between DA and CA. Thus, digital radiographic assessment of mandibular teeth development can be used to evaluate mean DA using the Willems method and also the estimated age for the purposes of orthodontic treatment planning and diagnosis in Bulgarians aged 7–16 with mixed or permanent dentition.
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