Sexual dimorphism in permanent maxillary and mandibular canines and intermolar arch width: Endemic study

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether dimorphism of permanent mandibular and maxillary canine teeth as well as intercanine and intermolar distance plays a role in establishing sex identity. Materials and Methods: Four hundred volunteers comprising 200 males and 200 females, with age ranging from 18 to 50 years, were selected. The greatest mesiodistal width of the canine teeth and the distance between the tips of canines of both arches and intermolar arch width were measured using vernier caliper with 0.02 mm resolution. All data were tabulated and analysis done by "t" test. Results: The widths of the mandibular and maxillary right and left canine teeth were almost bilaterally symmetrical in females and males. The mean values for left and right mandibular and maxillary canine widths were less in females than in males and the differences were statistically significant. The mean values for mandibular and maxillary intercanine and intermolar distances were less in females than in males and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The present study establishes a statistically significant sexual dimorphism in maxillary and mandibular canines and intermolar arch width. It can be concluded that standard canine index is a quick and easy method for sex determination.