Growth, and tooth growth/wear curves derived from an asymptotic function: y = alpha + beta rho x.

From the asymptotic function, y = alpha + beta rho x, a computer program to describe growth was developed, using a series of iterative fittings to provide a progressively improved regression line and value for rho (the growth factor). The function was further developed to describe the entire process of tooth development from eruption and growth through to wear, incorporating both growth and wear factors in one relationship, y = alpha 1 + beta 1 rho x + gamma x. A 4 X 4 covariance matrix was evolved to suit this and a computer program developed to execute the curve fitting.