Skeletal maturity assessment using calcification stages of mandibular canine

Aim: The aim of this study was to correlate the growth phase of skeletal tissues with the calcification stages of mandibular canine. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional observational study. Anonymized digital orthopantomogram and lateral cephalogram records of 300 pretreatment orthodontic patients aged 8-15 years were collected and analyzed. The calcification stages of right mandibular canine were scored on panoramic radiographs in accordance to the Gleiser and Hunt modified method of assessing tooth mineralization. The growth phase of skeletal maturation was scored on lateral cephalogram in accordance to the cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) method proposed by Baccetti et al. Results: A positive significant correlation was attained relating CVM Stages 1, 2, and 3 with mandibular canine calcification Stages 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Conclusion: The calcification stages of mandibular canine can be implemented for assessing the skeletal maturity clinically.