[Probabilistic approach to age estimation of children by dental maturation]

C R Biol. 2003 Apr;326(4):441-8. doi: 10.1016/s1631-0691(03)00121-5.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Two probabilist methods of age prediction in children are proposed: they are both based on the radiological presence of erupted teeth or germs. Using an apprenticeship sample of known age and sex, we established several discriminant models (+/- 13, +/- 16, +/- 18 years old). We also evaluated a Bayesian model with the following age groups: < 13, [13-16[, [16-18[, > or = 18 years old, or [X and Y] years old. When applied on a known test sample, Fisher's linear functions presented a success rate greater than 90%, above 13 years threshold, and below 16 and 18 years thresholds, and Bayesian approach, greater than 85%. Therefore, these methods provide an interesting alternative for children age determination that can be applied in biological and forensic anthropology, too.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age Determination by Teeth / methods*
  • Aging
  • Bayes Theorem
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Sex Characteristics
  • Tooth Eruption