A comparative study of overlay generation methods in bite mark analysis

AIM: To evaluate the best method of overlay generation out of the three methods, i.e., manual, photocopying, and computer assisted method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Impressions of maxillary and mandibular arches of 25 individuals participating in the study were made and dental study models were prepared. Overlay production was done by manual, photocopying, and computer assisted methods. Finally, the overlays obtained by each method were compared. RESULTS: Kruskal Wallis ANOVA H test was used for the comparison of manual, photocopying, and computer assisted overlay generation methods. H value being highest in case of computer assisted overlays, thus, making it the best method of overlay generation out of the three methods. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the method of computer assisted overlay generation is the best among the three methods used in our study.