The Influence of Gender on the Cortical Width of the Lower Border of the Mandible and the Mandibular Cortical Index

Abstract

<p><strong>Objective.</strong> To evaluate the influence of gender on the mental index (MI) and  the mandibular cortical index (MCI).</p><p><strong>Methods.</strong> In this study, there were 120 subjects (43 male and 77 female subjects), who had undergone a dental panoramic radiograph examination for the needs of diagnosis and future treatment planning. MI and MCI were determined by orthopantomograph.</p><p><strong>Results.</strong> There was a statistically significant difference in MI dependent on gender. Male patients demonstrated significantly higher values for MI than female patients (right: t=4.127; P=0.0001, left: t=3.110; P=0.002). No statistically significant difference was observed for MCI dependent on gender (right: χ²=2.36 P=0.308, left: χ²=3.85 P=0.146).</p><p><strong>Conclusion. </strong>MI is affected by gender, but MCI is not.</p>