Kumar S, Singla A, Sharma R, Virdi MS, Anupam A, Mittal B.Skeletal maturation evaluation using mandibular second molar calcification stages. Angle Orthod. 2011 Sep 7. 

Objective:

To investigate (1) the relationships between the stages of mandibular second molar calcification and skeletal maturity; and (2) whether second molar calcification stages can be used as a reliable diagnostic tool to determine skeletal maturity. 

Materials and Methods:

Samples were derived from panoramic radiographs and lateral cephalograms of 300 subjects (137 males and 163 females) with ages ranging from 9 to 18 years, and estimates of dental maturity (Demirjian Index [DI]) and skeletal maturity (cervical vertebrae maturation indicators [CVMI]) were made. 

Results: 

A highly significant association (C*  =  0.854 for males and 0.866 for females) was found between DI and CVMI. DI stage E corresponded to stage 2 of CVMI (pre-peak of pubertal growth spurt) and DI stages F and G corresponded to stages 3 and 4 of CVMI (peak of pubertal growth spurt). DI stage H was associated with stages 5 and 6 of CVMI (end of pubertal growth
spurt). 

Conclusion: 

A highly significant association exists between DI and CVMI. 
Mandibular second molar DI stages are reliable indicators of skeletal maturity.

.

Um índice de maturidade do segundo molar mandibular pode ser um indicador de maturidade esquelética.