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Inability to relate tooth forms to face shape and gender
Stefan Wolfart1, Holger Menzel, Matthias Kern
1Department of Prosthodontics, Propaedeutics and Dental Materials, School of Dentistry, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, D-24105 Kiel, Germany. swolfart@proth.uni-kiel.de
European Journal of Oral Sciences
|November 25, 2004
Summary
This study found no link between tooth shape and gender, and dentists could not accurately determine gender from tooth photos. The theory of matching tooth and face shapes was not supported.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Anthropology
- Forensic Odontology
Background:
- Previous literature suggests a correlation between facial morphology and tooth shape, potentially linked to gender.
- This proposed association has implications for forensic identification and anthropological studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the existence of a gender-dependent correlation between inverted face shape and upper central incisor shape.
- To evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of dentists in determining gender from intraoral photographs.
Main Methods:
- Standardized facial and dental photographs of 204 dental students were collected.
- Facial and upper right incisor outlines were traced and classified into tapered, ovoid, or square shapes.
- Ten dentists attempted to determine gender from tooth photographs, with subsequent analysis of accuracy and reproducibility.
Main Results:
- A significant correlation was found between face shape and gender (p<0.05).
- No significant correlation was observed between tooth shape and gender (p>0.05).
- Dentists' accuracy in gender determination from tooth photographs ranged from 47% to 59%, with reproducibility between 54% and 77%.
Conclusions:
- The hypothesis that tooth shape corresponds to the inverted facial shape was not supported by this study.
- Intraoral photographs alone are insufficient for accurate gender determination by dental professionals.
- Further research may be needed to explore other potential anthropometric correlations.