Odontometric analysis as a potential parameter for height prediction

Objectives Actual determination of height and physical characteristics of an individual is very difficult from skeletal which remains and is a challenge in forensic science. In cases of environmental disasters, it is challenging to extract long bones for exact determination of stature and these situations demands aid for the identification of individuals. Teeth show high resiliency toward change and can present themselves as an excellent tool for stature determination. The bone standards for determination of height are generally population and race-specific. Material and Methods The present study investigated the potential of odontometric parameters as an indicator of stature. Total of 55 individuals aged 15–30 years of known height were selected and after taking impression, a cast was poured. Measurements on cast were done using standard digital Vernier calipers and height was measured using standard measuring tape. Results Results indicated that among the two parameters taken into consideration, the vertical crown length of the canine was significant for height determination and a regression equation was also derived for same. Conclusion Henceforth, it can be concluded that as population variation exists, further studies with large sample sizes and diverse population is required to validate these findings.