Ameloglyphics: A mutidimensional tool in human identification

Abstract

Background: Dental proof may provide significant assistance in identifying a victim’s body and determine specific facts thus influencing the investigative procedure. Ameloglyphics or tooth prints symbolizes exceptional differences enlightening distinctive patterns between teeth of unlike individuals and of the same individual, and also between males and females.
 Aim: This novel study was performed to determine and establish the fact that enamel in teeth could be used to identify an individual as such by the help of the tooth prints or ameloglyphics. Materials & Method: 30 individuals (15 males and 15 females) were selected for the study. The anterior tooth of every individual was dried with cotton and impression of the enamel imprints were obtained on a cellophane tape which was then transferred to a glass slide and was subjected to photography. These photographs were then analyzed using Image Analysis Colorimetry. Results: The colorimetry analysis showed two different variations i.e. Red waves depicted male prints and Black waves showed females tooth prints. The results showed that ameloglyphics helped to determine the gender of an individual and also revealed that each individual had a separate discrete type of imprint.