Odontometric correlation of tooth length and size for stature estimation: A forensic perspective

Introduction: Dental morphometrics is an important tool in forensic identification, especially when skeletal remains are incomplete or unavailable. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between stature and various odontometric parameters of the maxillary arch, including intercanine width (IC), interpremolar width (IP), combined mesiodistal width (CW) of anterior teeth, and individual tooth lengths. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 60 participants (30 males and 30 females) aged 18 to 30 years. Maxillary dental casts were acquired, and odontometric data were documented with a digital vernier caliper. Height was assessed utilizing a conventional stadiometer. Pearson's correlation analysis was employed to assess the link between height and odontometric characteristics, while regression analysis was conducted to construct a predictive equation for height estimation. Results: Pearson's correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between intercanine width and stature (r = 0.489, p < 0.000), while IC + IP demonstrated a weaker but significant association (r = 0.375, p = 0.003). Other odontometric parameters showed no significant correlation (p > 0.05). Among individual tooth lengths, only the maxillary left second premolar (tooth 25) showed a significant negative correlation with stature (r = -0.374, p = 0.038). Regression analysis identified intercanine width as the strongest predictor of height (Height = 129.234 + 2.165 × IC; R² = 0.25; SEE = 6.7 cm). Conclusion: The dimensions of tooth 25 and IC width exhibited a substantial correlation with stature, indicating that maxillary odontometric measurements may function as additional tools for forensic stature estimation in the absence of long bones.