Reliablity of canine morphometric analysis in prediction of sexual dimorphism in himachali population

Background: Canines are considered to be the key teeth for personal identification as it exhibits greatest sexual dimorphism. The morphometric assesment provides the evidence of sex determination due to dimorphic nature of canine. Objectives: To evaluate the reliablity of canine morphometric analysis in prediction of sexual dimorphism in Himachali population. Methods: Total 70 subjests (35 males and 35 females) were randomly selected and study models were fabricated. The intercanine width and mesiodistal width of canine was measured using digital vernier caliper on the study models of both maxilla and mandible. Sexual dimorphism, Standard and observed canine index was calculated. All the measurements were statistically analysed using student t test. Results: On comparison the mean values were found to be larger in males than females and was statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: The left canine was more dimorphic than the right canine in both maxilla and mandible and mandibular canine index was found to be more reliable than maxillary canine index in prediction of sexual dimorphism The value of the standard canine index was found to be 0.25 in maxilla and 0.28 in mandible in Himachali Population