Sexual dimorphism in odontometric parameters using cone beam CT: a systematic review

Abstract

Objective To determine whether odontometric parameters using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) would aid in sex estimation by assessing sexual dimorphism of odontometric parameters. Material and methods The focused question was whether there is sexual dimorphism in linear and volumetric odontometric parameters when assessed using CBCT. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to conduct a systematic search until June 2022 in all major databases. Data were extracted regarding the population, size of the sample, age range, teeth analyzed, linear or volumetric measurements, accuracy, and conclusion. The quality of included studies was assessed using (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) tool. Results Out of the 3761 studies identified, twenty-nine full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. Finally, twenty-three articles (4215 participants) that provided data on odontometrics using CBCT were included in this systematic review. The odontological sex estimation were assessed either linear measurements (n = 13) or volumetric measurements (n = 8) or both (n = 2). Canines were analysed in maximum number of reports (n = 14), followed by incisors (n = 11), molars(n = 10) and premolars(n = 6). Most of the reports (n = 18) confirmed the existence of sexual dimorphism in odontometric parameters when assessed using CBCT. No significant differences in odontometrics between the sexes were noted in some reports (n = 5). The accuracy of sex estimation was assessed in eight investigations, which ranged from 47.8 to 92.3%. Conclusions Odontometrics of human permanent dentition using CBCT exhibit a certain degree of sexual dimorphism. Both linear and volumetric measurements of teeth can aid sex estimation.

Mandibular and dental measurements for sex determination using machine learning

“…Consequently, structures of human permanent dentition exhibit sex differences. Previous studies support that the maxillary and mandibular canine show the largest dimension variation of sexual dimorphism 8,13 . In our study, although mesio-distal size of the canines presented a strong statistical difference among sexes, the lower first molar exhibited greater predictive capability, demonstrating higher relevance in three out of the four evaluated models.…”

“…It is well known in the literature that the craniofacial complex exhibits significant sexual dimorphism 26,27 and that these traits can facilitate accurate sex determination. Although the use of craniofacial landmarks [8][9][10][11]13 and measurements from orthodontic records 7 have been used for sexual discrimination for decades, it is important to emphasize that our study brings new models once combined mandibular measurements, dental measurements, and artificial intelligence to explore this issue.…”

“…Several previous studies extensively studied permanent human dentition to estimate sex 8 with inconsistent findings 6 . Therefore, in our study mandibular measurements were added to increase the estimation accuracy level.…”

“…dimorphism [13][14][15][16][17][18] . Permanent teeth dimensions, such as the mesio-distal size, are the most frequently assessed odontometric variables for sex determination 8,13 . Males have larger teeth crowns than females in contemporary human populations, however this dimorphism varies depending on the population 19 .…”

Gender Dimorphism in Maxillary Permanent Canine Odontometrics Based on a Three-Dimensional Digital Method and Discriminant Function Analysis in the Saudi Population

“…Gender dimorphism of permanent teeth has been well established in the literature. Several studies including recent systematic reviews on tooth crown mesiodistal measurements for estimating sexual dimorphism across different population groups had documented that canine dimensions provide the most effective indicator of gender dimorphism, whilst few other studies have reported dimorphism in the premolars and molars, and in the mean maxillary arch and palatal depths [8,[13][14][15]. Canines are considered to be among the teeth least affected by developmental abnormalities in relation to the tooth size and morphology, and they are the most stable teeth in the arch.…”