Abstract Bitemark recognition reliability in forensics has been criticized for lacking
objectivity and empirical support. Despite doubts about classifying these injuries
as bitemarks, pattern injuries must still be legally documented and analyzed. Forensic
odontology can benefit from aesthetic dentistry by adopting metric analysis methods
to define human dentition and objectively assess whether a pattern resembles a dental
arch. In addition, past research on the challenges of individualizing bitemarks has
inadvertently also defined these class characteristics. Although objectively quantifying
these metrics is critical, prospective research must prove their uniqueness to the
human species as well as their dependable transference to substrates such as skin.
To explore and qualitatively define the mathematical characteristics of variations
in the maxillary dental arch, an under-researched aspect of forensic odontology, two
scanners collected digital maxilla scans from 100 participants (50% male, 50% female).
The arch shape's intercuspal distance and parabolic curvature (y?=?ax2?+?bx?+?c) were
defined, recorded, and analyzed. The mean intercuspal distance of maxillary canines
was 33.8?mm (SD: 2.25?mm, 29.0?39.6?mm). The mean fitted curve created by Linear Mixed
Model (LMM) for Quadratic Regression Analysis was a mean of y-meanTotal?=?0.040x2???0.0008x???1.581,
an upper limit of y-higherTotal?=?0.047x2???0.00039x?+?2.593, and a lower limit of
y-lowerTotal?=?0.032x2???0.0012x???5.754. In addition, sexual dimorphism using quadratic
analysis was not established. Quadratic regression analysis establishes an objective
framework for characterizing the maxillary dental arch. Results indicate that the
arches of human dentitions share class characteristics within a narrow range, and
can also offer a framework for the assessment of dentitions across species.
