Age estimation by Demirjian’s comprehensive chart and the London atlas of tooth development - A retrospective study

Background: Age estimation of living children and adolescents is an essential aspect for various medico-legal purposes helping in decisions in lawsuits and age frauds in sports. Accurate and simplified methods for dental age estimation are increasingly in demand. Aim: To compare the reliability of Demirjian’s comprehensive chart and the London atlas of tooth development in dental age estimation. Materials and Methods: In total, 100 males and 100 females (ages 6-15 years) digital panoramic radiographs were selected for age estimation. The dental age was determined using Demirjian’s comprehensive chart and the London atlas of tooth development. Results: No statistically significant difference between chronological age and age estimated using both methods were found in either males or females. A significant difference was found between Demirjian’s comprehensive chart and the London atlas in females. Conclusion: Although the difference between Demirjian’s comprehensive chart and the London atlas method was insignificant, the London atlas method showed to be more accurate.