Age estimation by Willem’s method in age group of 6-12 year old children- a cross sectional study

Abstract

Aim and objective :
 This article focuses on Willems method of age estimation in age group of 6-12 year old children.
 
 Material and methods:
 25 orthopantomagram of children aged 6-12 year old children were collected from the patients visiting the Department of Pediatric and Preventive dentistry, government college of Dentistry, Indore.
 
 Results:
 Comparison of the Dental age (DA) using the Willems method, the CA and differences between Dental age and Chronological age (DA and CA) of both gender and age groups .The independent samples t‑test results showcased that the mean CA was 1.81 for males and 2.22 for females and the mean DA was 1.97 for males and 1.64 for females. This mean dictated an under aging of the entire sample as by about 0.58 years. Independent t‑test showed that these differences were statistically not significant as the p value is less (P > 0.05).
 Pearson’s correlation test showed r value for overall data as 0.86, for male as 0.87 and for female as 0.88. The p value was statistically significant in overall data and male (<0.001).
 
 Conclusion:
 
 It is important to realize that no age estimation method will accurately determine the exact age for every individual since development naturally varies between individuals. One of the most important aspect of DA estimation is to remember that one should not restrict to only one age estimation technique, but to apply different techniques available and perform repetitive measurements and calculations. Also the sample size should be larger as compared to the present study, as well as equal numbers of both male and female should be studied.