Predicting age in the age group of 16-21 years using tooth-coronal index-Benindra method: A comparison with Kvaal and Schour and Massler methods

Abstract

Age estimation is critical for the identification of human trafficking practices or struggles for the rights of legal heirs in justice cases in the age group of 16-21 years. This study aims to test the tooth-coronal index (TCI) by Benindra (TCI-Benindra) method and compare the results to those obtained with Kvaal as well as Schour and Massler methods. TCI-Benindra method was used to estimate age and then compared the results to those obtained with Kvaal as well as Schour and Massler methods. The results obtained with TCI-Benindra method exhibited a significant difference with those obtained with Kvaal method (P < 0.05), but exhibited no significant difference with those obtained with Schour and Massler method (P > 0.05). In conclusion, age estimation using TCI-Benindra and Schour and Massler methods gave results that were closest to the actual age; furthermore, significant differences were observed between TCI-Benindra and Kvaal method in these results.