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Age estimation is one of the most significant elements in the process of creating the biological profile of individuals, and can be determined with macroscopic and microscopic methods.
In juvenile skeletons, it is based on the dental and skeletal development and in long bones measurements. In adult skeletons, the main indicators examined are degenerative changes of the joints, the synosteosis of cranial sutures and the tooth wear.
The health condition, the diet and the genetic predisposition affect the appearance and development of these changes in the skeleton.
Tooth eruption
The development and appearance of deciduous and permanent teeth occur during particular periods of time. This allows us to determine the age of children with accuracy.
Tooth wear
From the moment they erupt, teeth start to wear down. Knowing the extent of tooth wear, we can estimate the individual’s age.
Tooth cementum annulation
(TCA)
Microscopically, the thin layer of cementum that covers the roots of the teeth features a number of rings. Each ring corresponds to 1 year of life, allowing a more accurate age estimation.
Synosteosis of the epiphyses
Children’s bones consist of the body and the epiphyses. Measuring their length, we estimate the age. Towards the end of puberty, epiphyses are progressively fused with the body of the bone.
Bone measurements
In the absence of tooth or epiphyses, age estimation is based on the measurements of long bones, taking into account known physical development diagrams.
Cranial suture closure
The cranial bones are joined together by sutures. Infant sutures are open, allowing the simultaneous growth of skull and brain. Following adulthood, they gradually begin to close. The degree of the closure indicates the age.
In adult skeletons, age estimation is based mainly on morphological changes (degenerative changes) that appear on joints. Specific anatomic elements are examined, such as the pubic symphysis and the auricular surface of the pelvis.
The transformations that appear on these surfaces over time are indicative of the individual’s age.