Validity and accuracy of three radiographic dental age estimation methods in Brazilians

Objective: To validate, analyse accuracy, and construct multiple regression formulae of three age estimation methods - Liliequist and Lundberg, Haavikko, and Mornstad - using mineralization stages of permanent teeth in Brazilians.

Methods: Panoramic radiographs of 1009 Brazilian children and adolescents (387 males and 622 females) aged 8-15.99 years were analysed using the aforementioned methodologies.

Results: The overall accuracy (absolute difference=AD and dental age-chronological age=DA-CA) of the methods was as follows: Liliequist and Lundberg, AD=0.97 and DA-CA=-0.58; Haavikko, AD=1.42 and DA-CA=-1.35; and Mornstad, AD=2.48 and DA-CA=0.78. After sex-based stratification, the values for males were as follows: Liliequist and Lundberg, AD=0.91 and DA-CA=-0.45; Haavikko, AD=1.80 and DA-CA=-1.75; and Mornstad, AD=2.74 and DA-CA=1.17. In females, the values were as follows: Liliequist and Lundberg, DA=1.01 and DA-CA=-0.67; Haavikko, AD=1.17 and DA-CA=-1.09; and Mornstad, AD=2.31 and DA-CA=0.53. The Liliequist and Lundberg technique predominated, followed by Haavikko and Mornstad when distinction was present between sex and age. Multiple regression formulae were constructed from the data presented for the Liliequist and Lundberg, Haavikko and Mornstad methodologies.

Conclusions: The validation of the methodologies in the Brazilian population is possible. The Liliequist and Lundberg method most closely represented the Brazilian sample.