2021 Volume 59 Issue 2 Pages 71-79
Chronological age is how old an individual actually is. However, it does not indicate the degree of development of the mind or body. Physiological age, such as bone age and dental age, indicates the stage of growth of an individual by evaluating the development of each organ, for example, the bones and teeth. By clarifying the mechanism of development of each organ, it is possible to predict an individual's growth accurately.
In this study, the maturation of bones and teeth during the early stage of school age (6 to 8 years old) was evaluated, and the relationships between chronological age, bone age, and dental age were investigated. As a result, the increase in maturation differed depending on each bone and tooth. Both bones and teeth matured in girls more rapidly than in boys. The ulna showed the largest maturation in both girls and boys, and the mandibular second molar showed remarkable maturation in both girls and boys. Furthermore, significant correlations were found between chronological age and bone age, chronological age and dental age, and bone age and dental age.
It is suggested that by evaluating the maturation of teeth, it is possible to predict the growth of individuals accurately.
