A comparative study of sagittal dental relationship using digital method of bite mark evaluation

Area of Science:

• Forensic odontology
• Dental morphology
• Biometrics

Background:

• Tooth and jaw positioning dictates dental intercuspation.
• Bite marks are unique imprints of an individual's dentition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comparatively evaluate bite marks across Angle's Class I, II, and III sagittal occlusions.
• To identify distinct dental characteristics associated with each occlusion class.

Main Methods:

• Dental casts from 90 individuals (30 per Angle's Class I, II, III) were digitally scanned.
• IC Measure software analyzed angular and linear measurements, including odontometric triangle angles, intercanine width, arch shape, and tooth dimensions.
• Statistical analysis was performed on recorded measurements.

Main Results:

• Class III individuals showed significantly smaller bilateral maxillary lateral incisors and left mandibular central incisor.
• Square arch forms were prevalent in Class III, while ovoid forms were common in Class I and II.
• Intercanine width showed no significant variation across classes.
• All maxillary and mandibular odontometric triangle angles were significant in Class III.

Conclusions:

• Class III occlusion is characterized by unique arch shapes and odontometric triangle angles.
• Quantified odontometric triangle values can aid in identifying individuals with Class III occlusion.
• This study provides a quantitative basis for bite mark analysis in differentiating occlusal classes.