Application of periapical radiographic view of 4 mandibular permanent teeth in orthodontic diagnosis

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Background: Orthodontic treatment decisions during puberty are greatly influenced by the growth phase of the
patient. The possibility of providing a simple approach for pubertal growth diagnosis was the aim of this study.
Materials and Methods: The stages of root development of the mandibular permanent dentition (excepting the third
molars) have been determined radiographically for 62 Iraqi orthodontic patients (33 males and 29 females) aged 11-
15 years.
Results: showed statistically non-significant difference between mandibular right and left dental developmental
stages.
Conclusion: A modified, simplified Dental Maturation Index [DMI] System has been presented, which is based on
examining 4 instead of 7 mandibular teeth as seen in a panoramic radiograph or 2 periapical radiographs.
Keywords: Dental Maturation, Pubertal Growth Prediction, Orthodontic Diagnosis. (J Bagh Coll Dentistry
2011;23(1):94-99).