Evaluation of Incisor Index as a Forensic Tool in Gendural Dimorphism – A Study in South Indian Population

Abstract

Introduction: Forensic odontology plays a vital role in investigation and presenting the dental evidences
to the court of law. The challenges that are encountered by the forensic odontologist are identifying the
individual which includes certain characteristic features to define an individual. Gendural dimorphism
means systemic difference in form (shape or size) between individual of different genders in the same
species. Teeth being considered as one of the stable part which can withstand any environmental changes
even after death of an individual in situations where there are minimal supporting evidences. Odontometrics
is the field involving measurements of a tooth.
Aim and Objective: This study aims in determining the sex of an individual using incisor index of maxillary
and mandibular arches as a tool in forensic investigation with brief review on literature.
Material and Method: A total of 1200 permanent maxillary and mandibular teeth from 150 study models
with an age range of 18 – 25 yrs were measured using manual divider and scale. The Incisor index (Ii) was
analysed by using the formula as given by Aitchison (1964). The values were noted separately for maxillary
and mandibular dental arches with regards to central and lateral incisor and these data were subjected for
statistical analysis.
Result: Maximum mesio-distal dimension of the all the incisors (maxillary and mandibular) were higher in
males than females. Incisor index of maxilla was higher in female when compared to male which was not
statistically significant. The Incisor index of mandible was higher in male when compared to females which
was also statistically non-significant.