Denture Marking Research Articles

“Denture Marking” as an Aid to Forensic Identification

"Identification through forensic science is an art of giving the corpse a name A real life detective work that would put even Sherlock Homes to shame." Forensic dentistry deals with proper handling and examination of dental evidence and proper evaluation and presentation of dental findings in interest of justice. Denture marking or labeling is not a new concept in either Prosthetic or Forensic dentistry and its routine practice has been urged by Forensic dentists internationally for many years. Denture marking is accepted as a means of identifying dentures and persons in geriatric institutions or post mortem during war, crimes, and civil unrest, natural and mass disasters. Prosthodontists are playing very important role in forensic dentistry as they are concerned with fabrication of various prostheses which can serve as an important tool for identification. Identification is essential requirement of any medico-legal investigation because a wrong identity may pose a problem in delivering justice. The main objective of this article is to discuss the various methods of denture marking and to emphasize the importance of denture marking for person identification in medico legal investigations.

Denture marker using a two-dimensional bar code

It is a well-documented practice to mark dentures with surface inscription and inclusion markers.1 Denture marking has been used primarily to identify the wearer for forensic analysis.1,2 The identification of dentures may also be needed in places such as senior citizen centers or hospitals. A 2-dimensional (2-D) bar code can hold a substantial amount of information as data is coded across both length and width. Additionally, its incorporation into a removable prosthesis is a simple and inexpensive laboratory procedure.

Denture marking: a mandatory procedure to aid forensic identification

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to highlight the significance of placing identification marks on dentures.Design/methodology/approachThis paper reviews the legislation with regard to denture marking in certain countries, various methods of denture marking and describes a simple, inexpensive, paper‐based labelling system.FindingsVarious methods have been proposed for denture marking but it is important to use a method that is simple, practical, affordable and universally acceptable.Practical implicationsThe identification of unknown or missing persons by means of denture marking is a very successful method of identification in forensic investigation. It is also useful for patients residing in hospitals and community homes where dentures could be misplaced, particularly during cleaning by personnel where there is a chance of loss or mix‐up. The importance of denture marking should be emphasized by all law‐enforcing authorities and should be promoted among all dentists, towards making it a compulsory routine dental procedure throughout the world.Originality/valueIn Malaysia, denture marking, as recommended by its Ministry of Health, uses a unique coding system which can readily provide information about the wearer in whichever part of the world the person is found. The method applied is simple, practical and affordable and can easily be adapted by others. It can be of great value during times of crisis.

Perceptions and preferences on denture marking in an Indian sample

Denture marking is useful in institutional settings and post-mortem identification. Numerous markers have been developed, and their advantages and limitations assessed previously; however, patient perception to denture marking is paramount. We evaluated this in an Indian sample and also gauged their preference for different markers. One-hundred and one edentulous patients seeking prosthodontic treatment in our institution were shown four denture markers (stainless steel matrix band, paper strip with name inscribed on it, patient photograph and optically readable laminated bar code) and asked whether they wanted similar markers in their dentures; patients were also asked to rank the markers based on preference and indicate their satisfaction with it. Approximately two-thirds of patients (65/101) were uninterested in getting their dentures marked; among the 36 who agreed, 10 preferred the stainless steel band followed by photographs (9), paper strip (6) and bar code (2); nine gave multiple responses and were excluded from analyses. Sixteen patients expressed dissatisfaction with the photographic marker and bar code, while this number reduced for the stainless steel band (13) and paper strip (10). The results are in contrast to European studies wherein the majority of patients agreed to denture marking, indicating patient background (e.g. education level) may affect perception to denture marking; amongst those who agreed to marking, most preferred, or were satisfied with, the stainless steel and paper strip markers over photographic marker and a complex method such as bar-coding, implying that simple methods harbouring basic patient information may suffice in the Indian context.

Denture labeling: A new approach

The need for denture labeling is important for forensic and social reasons in case patients need to be identified individually. The importance of denture marking has long been acknowledged by the dental profession. Over the years, various denture marking systems have been reported in the literature, but none till date fulfills all the prescribed ADA specifications. A simple, easy, inexpensive procedure for marking accurate identification marks on dentures with a lead foil is described here. The label caring the patient information is incorporated in the acrylic resin during the denture processing.

Usefulness of patient photograph as a marker for identifying denture‐wearers in India*

Denture marking has been recommended for identifying the edentulous, both in day-to-day recognition when dentures are misplaced as well as in forensic scenarios. The purpose of this study was to test the use of patient photographs as a denture marker and to compare it with conventional marking systems as well as discussing its suitability in the Indian context. A photograph of the patient was taken and compared with a metal matrix band and optically readable laminated bar code in terms of preparation, ease of incorporation into the denture, readability following denture fabrication and changes on exposure to high temperatures (200-1300 °C). The photograph and metal matrix band were easy to prepare and incorporate, but the bar code was less so; no differences, however, were appreciable with regard to readability of the three markers. Fire resistance of the photographic marker (280 °C) and bar code (200 °C) was considerably lower to that of the metal marker (1050 °C). The major advantage of the photographic marker is that identity is easily ascertained by lay persons with the unassisted eye (bar codes require a hand-held reading device); photographic markers are also relevant in the Indian context where one-third of the population is illiterate and diverse scripts are used across the country, making interpretation of written data challenging at times. This allows for photographic markers' routine use in residential and hospital set-ups. Although the photographic marker has low fire resistance, it may be useful in forensic contexts since dentures retained in the mouth are well-protected by the oro-facial tissues and may survive incineration.

Lenticular card: A new method for denture identification

The need for denture marking is important for forensic and social reasons in case patients need to be identified individually. Majority of the surface marking and inclusion techniques are expensive, time consuming, and do not permit the incorporation of large amounts of information. In this article, the method to include a lenticular identification card stood out from the currently available denture marking methods in various ways. The lenticular card stores the patient's information has two or more images that can be viewed by changing the angle of view. The maxillary denture was processed according to the manufacturer's instructions. The lenticular identification card was incorporated in the external posterior buccal surface of the maxillary denture using salt and pepper technique. For testing of durability, denture with the identifier was placed in water for up to 4 months. The proposed method is simple, cheap, and can store a large amount of information, thus allowing quick identification of the denture wearer. The labels showed no sign of fading or deterioration.

The Teaching of Denture Marking Methods in Dental Schools in the United Kingdom and the United States*,†

Forensic organizations worldwide have recommended that dental prostheses should be marked with, at a minimum, the patient's name and preferably with further unique identifiers such as a social security number. The current study aimed to assess the denture marking practice of dental schools within the United States and the United Kingdom. A questionnaire-based survey was employed to gain both quantitative and qualitative data on the methods, practices, and ethos behind denture marking in 14 U.K. and 32 U.S. dental schools. One hundred percent of U.K. and 87.5% of U.S. schools returned surveys and the results suggest that, for dental schools where there is no legal or legislative need for denture marking, the practice is inconsistently taught and appears to be reliant on internal forces within the school to increase awareness. Among those schools practicing marking, only 18% employ a technique likely to withstand common postmortem assaults; this is a concern.

A Range of Postmortem Assault Experiments Conducted on a Variety of Denture Labels Used for the Purpose of Identification of Edentulous Individuals

Forensic organizations worldwide have recommended that dental prostheses should be labeled with at least the patient's name and preferably with further unique identifiers such as social security number, etc. The practice of denture marking has been conducted over many years and several denture marking systems have been reported in the dental literature. However, very little is known about the resilience of such systems to conditions experienced in the majority of post- and perimortem assaults. The purpose of this investigation therefore, was to expose a selection of 10 denture labels to a series of hostile environments. Results of the study indicate that the majority of the denture labeling systems appear capable of withstanding a range of common, and not so common postmortem assaults. With regard to thermal insult, however, most performed badly with the exception of a label constructed from stainless steel orthodontic band. However, another label in the form of an electronic RFID-tag performed above expectations in the majority of experiments. Furthermore, its cosmetic appearance has proven most popular with many patients.

Denture marking: An introduction and review

Denture marking: An introduction and review

Importância Pericial dos Registros Odontológicos Decorrentes de Tratamento Protético

The dental records produced in the prosthetic treatments have primordially a clinical purpose, because these documents allow the consultation about the stage of execution of odontological procedures. However, in specific situations, the information contained in these documents may have relevant legal value, by clarifying several judicial questions. In cases related to the identification of edentulous individuals, the dentist must be attentive to register all possible details about the oral anatomy of the patient and denture features. In this context, the aim of this work is to show the forensic importance of prosthetic records, through a case report, by emphasizing the social and legal importance of establishing denture marking standards. Until the Federal Council of Dentistry establishes specific rules concerning the matter, and to be followed by dentists and technical in dental prosthesis, these professionals must observe their ethical and legal obligations related to the notes and data about clinical and laboratorial prosthetic procedures that they have to register in patient’s record. Thus, these dental records may protect the professional exercise and subsidize correctly the forensic exams in cases of edentulous patients.

Denture identification system based on Swedish guidelines: A Forensic Aspect

Over the years various denture marking systems have been reported in the literature and have been broadly divided into surface marking and inclusion methods. The surface marking methods include engraving the casts, scribing the denture or writing on the denture surface while the inclusion methods involve incorporation of metallic or non metallic labels or microchips into denture. In the case described in this paper the metallic bands are placed in the palate surface of the maxillary denture and the lingual flange of the mandibular denture during trial packing. In this case the dentures have been marked in Sweden with a stainless steel metal band incorporated into the acrylic and containing the personal number of the patient. The resulting metallic marker was cosmetically appealing, cost effective and was able to satisfy all the forensic requirements for a suitable denture marker.

A New Method for Denture Identification

Three denture marking methods were performed on specimen plates which were prepared using a heat-cured acrylic resin. The first method (LA) was to place a label into a suitable space on the specimen, and then cover it with autopolymerizing acrylic resin. The second method (DA) was to print the mark directly on the specimen, and then cover it with autopolymerizing acrylic resin. The third method (DB) was to print the mark directly on the specimen, and then cover it with bonding resin. To investigate the durability of these methods, specimens were immersed in NaOCl, denture cleanser, and coffee. Photographs of the specimens were taken and RGB values were measured. Differences in durability were analyzed by Friedman test. The RGB values were significantly different between LA and DB, but those of DA changed little. The results made it clear that DA was a more durable denture marking method than LA--which is a method generally used.

Denture marking in the UK

Aim To assess the attitudes of healthcare workers within the UK towards identification marking of removable prostheses, and quantify the frequency with which this is currently undertaken. Design A postal questionnaire-based study. Setting The study was undertaken within the UK between 2002 and 2006 and surveyed prosthodontists working in a wide range of clinical settings. Subjects and methods Questionnaires were sent to two sample groups: 1. Specialists in prosthodontics registered on the GDC specialist list; 2. Nursing staff in elderly care homes within the locality of Glasgow. Results Return rate of questionnaires from prosthodontic specialists was high, with 119 from 160 (74%) completed and returned. 54.9% of prosthodontic specialists carried out complete denture marking in their clinical practice and 40.9% undertook identification marking of partial removable prostheses. The vast majority (81.0%) of specialists indicated that denture identification marking was a worthwhile procedure. Furthermore, 68.9% thought the introduction of some form of guideline would be beneficial. Differences in the frequency of denture marking existed between varying clinical environments. Denture marking was not undertaken by healthcare workers within any of the surveyed care homes. Conclusion The overwhelming opinion of prosthodontic specialists within the UK promotes the use of denture marking as a routine procedure.

Denture Marking—Patient Preference of Various Methods

Dental forensic organizations world wide have recommended that dental prostheses should be labeled with at least the patient's (wearer's) name and preferably with further unique identifiers such as social security number. A range of methods are available and the purpose of this study was to determine, via the means of a visual questionnaire, which are the most preferable to those patients who wear complete dentures. One hundred edentulous patients attending the Manchester Dental Hospital were shown a range of denture labeling methods and asked to rank these according to their preference. The most preferred method was that of an embedded radio frequency identification microchip (38% rated this as first) and the second was an inclusion technique using onion paper (24% rated this as first). The least preferred method was the use of a groove cut into the denture flange with 71% of patients rating this as the poorest in terms of esthetics. The study demonstrates that the method of denture labeling is important to patients and to ensure that denture labeling is performed routinely esthetic preferences must be considered.

A survey of denture identification marking within the United Kingdom

To assess the attitudes of healthcare workers within the UK towards identification marking of removable prostheses, and quantify the frequency with which this is currently undertaken. A postal questionnaire-based study. The study was undertaken within the UK between 2002 and 2006 and surveyed prosthodontists working in a wide range of clinical settings. Questionnaires were sent to two sample groups: 1. Specialists in prosthodontics registered on the GDC specialist list; 2. Nursing staff in elderly care homes within the locality of Glasgow. Return rate of questionnaires from prosthodontic specialists was high, with 119 from 160 (74%) completed and returned. 54.9% of prosthodontic specialists carried out complete denture marking in their clinical practice and 40.9% undertook identification marking of partial removable prostheses. The vast majority (81.0%) of specialists indicated that denture identification marking was a worthwhile procedure. Furthermore, 68.9% thought the introduction of some form of guideline would be beneficial. Differences in the frequency of denture marking existed between varying clinical environments. Denture marking was not undertaken by healthcare workers within any of the surveyed care homes. The overwhelming opinion of prosthodontic specialists within the UK promotes the use of denture marking as a routine procedure.

Antemortem Records of Forensic Significance Among Edentulous Individuals

The identification of edentulous individuals is problematic due to poor provision of labelled dental prostheses. Dental records may still provide useful information for odontologists in the comparative identification process. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of forensically significant information contained within the dental records of a population of denture wearers attending the University of Manchester School of Dentistry. Two hundred and two dental records were examined and a proforma completed. The mean age of the patients was 72 years. Medical history were absent in 4% of all records and only 67.8% of the written records were rated as good. Thirty-two percent of the records contained one or more panoramic radiographs but 30% of these were over 3 years old rendering their usefulness in identification procedures questionable. In total only 18% of the examined records contained antemortem information that would enable identification. These data suggest that the process of denture marking is an essential in order to ensure that the identification of this population can be undertaken expediently by dental means.

International telephone code used for citizenship identification in a denture

This case report describes a simple method for identifying the citizenship of a denture wearer by marking the telephone country code number inside the denture base. A wax pattern for the denture framework was prepared on the refractory cast. A piece of embossing tape, containing the country code (81, Japan), Japanese prefectural code, and abbreviation of the dental clinic where the denture was fabricated, was placed on the metal framework. A titanium-aluminum-niobium (Ti-6Al-7Nb) alloy was cast in the mold, and the denture was then fabricated by the conventional method. The casting satisfactorily reproduced the embossed letters, and the plate was identifiable through the gingiva-colored acrylic denture base resin. Since an embossed metal plate integrated with the skeleton is embedded in the denture base resin material, the current denture marking technique serves as a simple procedure for insertion of an undegradable denture identification mark which makes it possible to identify the nationality of the denture wearer.

Oral health of people with dementia

Oral health of people with dementia

Engraved fixed restorations and denture micro-labelling to facilitate identification through forensic dentistry

Identification is an essential requirement of any medicolegal investigations, because a mistaken identity may pose a problem in delivering justice. The importance of placing identification marks on dentures has long been acknowledged by the dental profession. Because there is no international consensus about the methods of denture marking, we suggest newer methods for the same. A procedure for marking accurate identification markings on crowns and fixed partial dentures and denture micro-labelling with minimal cost is described in this article. Individuals who have been subjected to restorative procedures like fillings may be carrying their 'visiting cards' in their oral cavity. Practicing dentists can become valuable members of the dental identification process by using these techniques to mark dental restorations, which would be valuable in restoring their patients' identity.