Skeletal maturation evaluation using mandibular third molar development in adolescents

Objective: To estimate dental maturity using the Demirjian Index for the mandibular third molar and investigate the relationships between dental maturity and skeletal maturity among growing children. Methods: The samples were derived from panoramic, lateral cephalometric and hand-wrist radiographs of 270 female subjects registered as patients at the orthodontic department, dental hospital, Yonsei University. Dental maturity [Demirjian Index (DI)] and skeletal maturity [skeletal maturation indicators (SMIs)] and cervical vertebrae maturation indicators (CVMIs)] were estimated from these radiographs. Results: There was a significant correlation (r = 0.64) between SMIs and DI, and a similar correlation (r = 0.59) was observed between CVMIs and DI (p < 0.001). If DI was above Stage E, then the SMI was above Stage 10 and the CVMI was above Stage 5. There was a weak correlation (r = 0.26) between age at menarche and DI (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in DI among Class I, II or III malocclusions. Conclusions: Dental maturity evaluation using the mandibular third molar will be an adjunctive tool in combination with cervical vertebrae and hand-wrist maturity evaluations.