Developmental stages of permanent canines, premolars, and 2nd molars in 244 Danish children

The purpose of this study was to establish reference values for maturity of permanent canines, premolars, and permanent 2nd molars in Danish children, and to focus on differences between the right and left sides, males and females, and the maxilla and mandible.

Panoramic radiographs from 106 males (8-14 years) and 137 females (7 years 2 months to 13 years 8 months) were analyzed, along with the maturity of the canines, premolars, and 2nd molars in each radiograph. Each tooth was categorized according to Haavikko's crown and root morphology. Inter-observer reliability was performed. For statistical analysis, Bowker's test was used for symmetry evaluation and comparison of maturity in the maxilla and mandible. The association between stage and age was presented by cumulative distributions. The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used for evaluating differences between genders.

Differences in maturity between the left and right sides were non-significant. A significant difference in dental maturity was observed between males and females, except for the maxillary 2nd premolar. Females matured earlier than males. The mandibular canines matured significantly earlier than the maxillary canines in females. No significant differences between the jaws were observed in the maturation of the premolars and 2nd molars.

These reference values for dental maturity can be useful in orthodontic treatment planning and as a reference for odontological forensic age determination.