Mandibular canine index as a sex determinant: A study on the population of western Uttar Pradesh

Objective: To establish the effectiveness of mandibular canine index in predicting sex in Western Uttar Pradesh population. Materials and Methods: 200 subjects belonging to Western Uttar Pradesh population (100 males; 100 females) in the age group of 17-25 yrs were included. Impressions were made with alginate and study models prepared with dental stone. Maximum mesiodistal diameter of mandibular canines and the linear distance between tips of mandibular canines were measured using a Vernier caliper. Observed mandibular canine index (MCIo) was calculated as the ratio between the maximum mesiodistal width of mandibular canine and canine arc width. Results: Left canine exhibited greater sexual dimorphism i.e. 9.05% as compared with right canine i.e. 8.782%. Sex could be predicted correctly in approximately 70% of subjects examined. Conclusion: With the standard MCI it was possible to detect sex in the population of Western Uttar Pradesh to an extent of about 72%. Hence it is considered as a quick, easy and reproducible method for determining the sex of an individual.