Age estimation of children based on open apex measurement in the developing permanent dentition: an Egyptian formula

BACKGROUND: Cameriere’s original formula based on open apex measurements is a reliable, clinically applicable method for dental age estimation in different populations children. Dental development may differ between Egyptian children and other ethnic populations which may affect dental age accuracy using Cameriere’s formula. AIM: Firstly, to verify Cameriere’s original formula on large Egyptian children sample, secondly, to develop an Egyptian-specific formula based on Cameriere’s method. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study of 762 good quality Orthopantomograms (OPGs) of 5–15 aged healthy Egyptian children selected from Nile Delta governorates between August 2020 and December 2021. Chronological age (CA) was calculated by subtracting birth date from radiograph date. OPGs were analyzed for N(0), S, X(i) morphologic variables using Sidexis program after that dental age was calculated using Cameriere’s formula then compared to CA. Multiple linear regression model was used to adapt Cameriere’s formula to construct an Egyptian formula. The same sample was used to verify the new formula accuracy. RESULTS: A total of 1093 OPGs were collected; 762 OPGs which met inclusion criteria were analyzed. Cameriere’s original formula revealed − 0.59- and − 0.53-year underestimation of females and males dental age (DA) respectively (p < 0.001). Regression analysis using the morphologic variables showed that X(4), X(7), N(0) contributed significantly to CA yielding Egyptian-specific formula. New formula showed − 0.12-year male underestimation and 0.1-year female overestimation (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Egyptian formula was more accurate than Cameriere’s formula in Egyptian children. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Egyptian-specific formula decreases the gap between CA and DA, so a relative approximate age is obtained that helps proper diagnosis and treatment planning for orthodontic and pediatric dentistry problems.