The Quantification of Tooth Displacement

Thomas W. Radmer, Marquette University
L Thomas Johnson, Marquette University
Mingan Yang, Marquette University
Thomas Wirtz, Marquette University

Article comments

Published Version. Journal of Forensic Identification, Volume 60, No. 1, (2010), pp. 4-18.

©2010 International Association for Identification

Abstract

By using reference points from a single pixel marker placed at the center point of the cuspid teeth and the center point on each of the incisor teeth, a polynomial curve was generated as a native curve for each dental arch studied. The polynomial curve generated from actual tooth position in each arch provides the forensic odontologist with another reference point that is quantifiable. The study represents that individual characteristics, such as tooth displacement, can be quantified in a simple, reliable, and repeatable format.