Technical note: Occlusal fingerprint analysis: Quantification of tooth wear pattern

摘要: Information about food ingestion and mastication behavior during the lifespan of an individual is encoded in dental occlusal wear pattern. To decode this information, we describe a new method called fingerprint analysis (OFA). Structural parameters facets on surface teeth are quantified from digitized casts for interpretation aspects. The OFA provides three-dimensional compass that indicates major pathways interaction between antagonists, revealing information development, spatial position, enlargement facets. Humans develop very similar overall pattern crown contacts, although specific characteristics reflect individual's relationships masticatory behavior. We hypothesize unique character therefore valuable identification. Furthermore suggest OFA, when further developed, may be useful identification behavioral, biological, chemical factors affecting morphology.