Sex estimation from maxillary arch measurements in egyptian populations: Cross-sectional study

Abstract

Sex estimation is an essential step in personal identification and a cornerstone for developing biological profile from skeletal remains. The present study aimed to evaluate the role of maxillary arch widths and lengths as unique parameters in the estimation of sex in Egyptian populations. Maxillary arch measurements were collected from 1410 subjects where palatal impressions were obtained from each participant. Fourteen maxillary inter-teeth widths and lengths that excluded teeth dimensions were included The current study revealed that among the studied population, Egyptian men showed significant differences (p<0.05) in all measurements, except widths related to the second molar, inter-second premolar length, and mesial inter-second molar length. Most of the significant sex predictors were related to the first molar. The distal inter-first molar length is the best sex predictor with the highest Area Under Curve =0.771, at the cut-off value >34.57 mm, it could predict the sex with sensitivity of 69.8 %, specificity of 58.8 % and p<0.05. The first molar could be considered as one of the most valid and reliable teeth in estimating sex in Egyptian populations. These measurements may be used as a reference in different populations in cases of mass disaster or relevant events.