Bite length measurements and tooth-to-arch relationships obtained from dental casts using an X, Y-digitiser and computer.

A method is described for the analysis of bite lengths and tooth-to-arch relationships using an X,Y-digitiser and computer. The tooth outlines of a dental cast were traced on to card and a Hawley-Bonwill ideal arch fitted about these outlines. The co-ordinates of both teeth and ideal arch were then digitised and various distances and angles relating to the teeth and their position in the arch computed. In this preliminary survey, measurements have been made on a small population of 15 males and 15 females to provide a more objective analysis of the relationships between teeth and dental arches than has previously been possible. The ultimate aim of this work is to compare, with confidence, a dentition to the bite mark left at the scene of a crime.