Age Estimation Using the Cameriere Methods of Open Apices: A Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: To evaluate the actual variability of the mean difference between chronological and dental age using the Cameriere method of open apices and to test its accuracy in variable age groups.

Method: We selected studies that contained data about the mean, standard deviation, and number of cases for chronological age, dental age and gender. We used a random-effects model. Statistical significance was estimated, at a < 0.05, using prediction intervals. For the analysis of publication bias we used the funnel plot and Egger's regression test for plot asymmetry. I was used to test the presence of heterogeneity between studies. The Z test was used to test for statistical differences between subgroups, with < 0.05 being considered statistically significant. We also used 95% for confidence intervals and prediction intervals.

Results: In boys, the average difference between chronological and dental age was 0.44 (0.26-0.63) years, while in girls the average difference between chronological and dental age was 0.34 (0.19-0.49) years. In the 6-7 years age group and in the 14-15 years age group, there was a statistically significant difference between dental and chronological age. Our study shows that the Cameriere method is useful for estimating the chronological age, with errors of less than one year.

Conclusions: The Cameriere method of evaluating dental age using open apices is sufficiently accurate for forensic practice, at least in the 7-14 age-interval.