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

INTRODUCTION: Intercuspation of teeth depends on position of teeth and jaws. Bite mark is the resultant of the intercuspation of teeth produced by an individual. AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: Comparative evaluation of bite marks in Angle's Class I, II, and III sagittal occlusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three groups as per Angle's classification-Class I, Class II, and Class III relation were taken. Each group comprised 30 samples each. The dental casts were scanned to create digital images. “IC Measure” software was used to determine the angular and linear measurements on scanned images of study model after calibration. Internal angles of odontometric triangle, intercanine width, shape of the arch, size, and shape of the individual teeth was recorded and subjected to the statistical analysis. RESULTS: All incisors had rectangular and canine had triangular shape. Bilateral maxillary lateral incisors and mandibular left central incisor were significantly small in size for Class III. Square arch form was found more commonly in Class III and ovoid arch form in Class I and Class II occlusion. Intercanine width was insignificant among all occlusions. All the angles of the odontometric triangle in the maxillary and mandibular arches were significant for Class III. CONCLUSION: Class III occlusion individuals were distinct for shape of the arch and angles of maxillary and mandibular odontometric triangle. The quantified values of odontometric triangle can be utilized for the identification of Class III individuals.