OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between the stages of calcification of various teeth and cervical vertebral bone ages among children and adolescents in Chengdu.

METHODSThe study subjects consist of 256 children and adolescents in Chengdu with age ranging from 10 to 16 years. All panoramic radiographs and cephalometric radiographs were obtained. The relationship with the stages of chronological ages, calcification of various teeth and cervical vertebral bone ages were analyzed.

RESULTSThe Spearman rank correlation coefficient revealed highly significant relationships between cervical vertebral bone ages and chronological ages (r = 0.726, P < 0.01). Dental ages and chronological ages had medium relationship (r = 0.629, P < 0.01), also dental ages and cervical vertebral bone ages medium relationship (r = 0.668, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONCervical vertebral bone ages, chronological ages and dental calcification stages have correlation among children and adolescents in Chengdu. The cervical vertebral bone ages have high connection with chronological ages. Cervical vertebral bone age might be a better indicator in judging growth and development of children and adolescents during orthodontic treatment.