A computer program for the analysis of dental arch form using the cubic spline function.

This paper presents the details and logic of a FORTRAN computer program which fits a cubic interpolatory spline to a set of data points digitized from an exact size photographic reproduction of a dental model. It also measures the length of the arc and computes a set of normals to the curve to be used in evaluating the error in the fit of the spline. The program is used in studies of dental arch form and is useful in evaluating changes in the form of the arches due to orthodontic treatment. The measurement of the arc length provides an adequate assessment of space available in the dental arch, which is of importance to the orthodontist.