A comparison between London Atlas, Demirjian and Cameriere age estimation methods in Thai children and adolescents

Dental age estimation is usually performed in medico-legal cases where a youth subject of unknown age is involved. A variety of age estimation methods has been proposed, with different degrees of accuracy found in different population groups. This study aims to compare estimated dental ages from three methods-the London Atlas, Demirjian, and Cameriere-to the chronological age to assess their accuracy and suitability for use in Thai children and adolescents.

Panoramic radiographs from 420 Thai individuals (179 males and 241 females) aged between 7 and 20 years were selected for the examination. Each radiograph was analyzed using all three methods, focusing on teeth from the left side of the jaws. The estimated ages were compared to the chronological age to investigate significant differences.

Overall, no significant difference was found between London atlas estimated age and chronological age (0.005 years underestimation). However, London atlas showed a higher tendency for overestimation in 7-16 years subjects, where Demirjian method showed no significant difference from chronological age with the least discrepancy (0.018 years underestimation). Cameriere outperformed other methods only in subjects about 7 years old (0.190 years overestimation). Similar trends were observed in separated male and female samples.

London atlas is suggested for primary screening focusing on 8 and 15 years cut-points. Consecutive application with Cameriere method might improve accuracy in subjects under 8 years, while Demirjian method is recommended for 8-15 years subjects. London atlas considering the third molar is applicable in older subjects.