Evaluation of tooth development in children with molar-incisor hypomineralization using the Cameriere and Haavikko methods: a case-control study

Background: Tooth development in children with a healthy tooth structure can be determined using dental age estimation methods; however, the accuracy of these methods in children with molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) remains uncertain. The purpose of this study was to assess tooth development in children with MIH using the Cameriere and Haavikko methods and to determine the accuracy of these methods. Methods: Panoramic radiographs of 136 children (8–12 years) with MIH (Group 1) and 140 matched controls (Group 2) were obtained. Dental age was determined using the Cameriere and Haavikko methods. The mean differences between chronological age and dental age were analyzed in Groups 1 and 2. Results: Dental age, estimated using the Cameriere and Haavikko methods, did not show a statistically significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). In both groups, the Cameriere and Haavikko methods underestimated dental age by 0.2 and 0.5 years, respectively (p < 0.05). The Haavikko method was more accurate in dental age estimation in both groups. Conclusions: This study found that MIH did not impact tooth development and that the Haavikko method was more reliable in dental age estimation regardless of the presence of MIH. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT06639815.

Dental age estimation; Molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH); Haavikko method; Cameriere method; Children

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