Abstract:

Background: Structural and behavioural changes which occur between different sexes from the same species is known as sexual dimorphism. Incisor is one of the sharpest teeth in the human dentition. Mandibular incisors are adjacent to the midline of the face and meisial from both mandibular lateral incisors. This tooth has been chosen for gender estimation as it is the first tooth emerging in the oral cavity. Aim: To assess the gender dimorphism of the mandibular central incisor among Chennai population.              Methods and material: This study was conducted on 40 mandibular casts. Mandibular casts of individuals in the age group of 18-25 years were included in the study. The mesiodistal width of central mandibular incisors were measured by using digital vernier calipers. The values which are recorded and  statistically analyzed using an independent t-test. Result: The mesiodistal width of the central mandibular incisor was slightly more in females (mean= 4.86mm + or - 0.53) compared to that of males (mean= 4.84mm + or - 0.42). The p value was found to be 0.11 (>0.05), and is not statistically significant. Conclusion: Measurement of mandibular central incisor might be useful to determine the gender dimorphism. These metric measurements are  simple, quick, inexpensive methods for gender determination of an individual.

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