Enamel Rod End Patterns Research Articles

In Vitro Analysis of Enamel Patterns Across Three Species Using Stereomicroscopy.

Background Dental enamel, the outermost layer of the tooth, stands as a unique and remarkable tissue that plays a crucial role in safeguarding teeth against various external factors. The examination and analysis of enamel rod end patterns on tooth surfaces, referred to as ameloglyphics, offer a promising avenue for dental identification and forensic investigations in forensic medicine, thereby enhancing the precision and reliability of forensic analyses. This paper aims to evaluate and compare the ameloglyphics of different species under a stereomicroscope. The species examined in this study include the beaver (genus Castor), fox (genus Vulpes), and human (Homo sapiens). Methods Teeth samples from each species (n = 3) were gathered from the tooth repository and examined under a stereomicroscope at various magnifications, both with and without graphite staining. Photographs were captured, and the enamel patterns were meticulously evaluated. Through the utilization of plot profiles, the enamel patterns of the different species were compared, and any discernible differences between them were carefully noted. Results The plot profiles of the three species were analyzed, revealing distinct characteristics. Specifically, it was observed that the plots of the genus Castor teeth and Homo sapiens teeth exhibited dispersed arrangements, whereas the plot profile of the genus Vulpes displayed a closely arranged pattern. Conclusions Within the confines of the current investigation, it can be inferred that every mammal exhibits a distinct and exclusive arrangement of enamel rods. Hence, the task of identifying a deceased individual through dental imprints may pose difficulties if the structural characteristics are not thoroughly comprehended.

Identification and Analysis of Enamel Rod End Patterns in Primary Anterior Teeth Using Automated Biometrics: An In Vitro Study.

Recording enamel rod end patterns can be considered an alternative to fingerprints, which are susceptible to decomposition or mutilation. The available literature revealed that limited research has been performed on the recording of enamel rod end patterns, and none has been performed on primary teeth. Hence, this in vitro observational study was performed with the aim of identifying and analyzing the different patterns of enamel rod endings of primary anterior teeth. The objectives of this study were to record the different patterns of enamel rod endings obtained from the enamel surface of primary maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth through biometric analysis. The enamel rod end patterns of 30 noncarious primary anterior teeth with intact crown structures were recorded using the acetate peel technique. The photomicrographs of the imprints were then subjected to biometric conversion using Verifinger Standard Software Development Kit® (SDK®) version 6.5 software. The enamel surface of primary anterior teeth, the following enamel rod end patterns were detected and recorded-wavy branched (WB), linear branched (LB), linear unbranched (LUB), Whorl (W), loop (L), and stem-like (SL) patterns. WB was the only pattern that predominated all of the samples. Only WB and LB emerged as a single subpattern. The patterns LUB, L, W, and SL were never observed alone; rather, they were combined with two, three, or four other subpatterns, primarily WB and LB. In this study, six enamel rod end patterns were identified and recorded on the enamel surface of primary anterior teeth. Suvarnan SK, Baghkomeh PN, Farzan JM. Identification and Analysis of Enamel Rod End Patterns in Primary Anterior Teeth Using Automated Biometrics: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(2):149-152.

Reliability of Automated Biometrics in the Analysis of Enamel Rod End Patterns- In Vitro Study

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Ameloglyphics is the study of the distinctive patterns found on the enamel surface of teeth, which are different on each tooth and particular to each person. The purpose of this study was to compare the enamel print patterns on the buccal and lingual surfaces of teeth to see if there are any appreciable differences, and to evaluate the sensitivity and reliability of an automated biometrics software. Method: The study involved 62 individuals including 36 females and 26 males, from age range 15-60 years. From each individual one tooth sample was analyzed using a light microscope to capture images of the buccal and lingual surfaces middle third. These images were then analyzed using biometric software called Source AFIS, which processed the images and displayed enamel patterns. Data were entered and analyzed using GPower software (version 3.0). Chi-square test and Goodness of fit tests were done to compare the enamel rod end patterns between the teeth surfaces These enamel patterns were classified according to the “Manjunath Classification”. Result: The study found that there were no notable distinctions in enamel print patterns when comparing the teeth buccal and lingual surfaces. All 62 samples analyzed showed a high degree of similarity in enamel print patterns on both surfaces. This finding suggests that the same developmental, environmental, and genetic factors likely influence the enamel print patterns on both surfaces of a tooth. Conclusion: The samples' high frequency of comparable sub-patterns on both the buccal and lingual surfaces suggests that they are very similar to one another. This implies that tooth prints may be a valuable tool for forensic personal identification, particularly in the area of forensic dentistry.

A Correlative Study to Assess the Relationship among Ameloglyphics, Cheiloscopy, Rugoscopy in Skeletal and Dental Malocclusions

Introduction: Benefits of preventive and interceptive orthodontic procedures can be availed by early prediction of malocclusion. Early diagnosis is achievable when parameters having similar embryological origin and development period, similar to that of the craniofacial structures are identified and studied. Few such parameters are the enamel rod end patterns, lip prints, and palatal rugae patterns. The intent of this study was to assess the correlation between ameloglyphics, cheiloscopy, rugoscopy and skeletal and dental malocclusions. Materials and Method: A cross-sectional study with one hundred subjects were classified into 3 groups based on cephalometric analysis into skeletal class I, class II and class III malocclusion and were further divided into 4 dental malocclusion groups namely class I, class II division 1, class II division 2 and class III based on the Angle's classification of malocclusion. Ameloglyphics patterns, lip prints and palatal rugae patterns were recorded for each subject and statistically analyzed with chi-square test and Spearman correlation test. Result: Class I malocclusion subjects revealed a predominant curve palatal rugae pattern, type II lip print pattern and wavybranched ameloglyphics patterns were observed with statistically significant association. In class II malocclusion, the predominant palatal rugae pattern observed was straight pattern, type I lip print pattern and linear branched ameloglyphics patterns were statistically significant. Subjects in class III malocclusion group were associated significantly with the annular pattern of palatal rugae, type I lip print pattern, and stem pattern of ameloglyphics. Conclusion: A curve rugae pattern in class I malocclusion, a straight pattern in class II malocclusion, and an annular pattern in class III malocclusion were observed. For the Lip Prints, a highly statistically significant association was observed between class I malocclusion and type II lip print pattern. Ameloglyphics, revealed a statistically significant association between wavy branched pattern and class I malocclusion, linear branched pattern and class II malocclusion and stem pattern with class III malocclusion.

Ameloglyphics-An Advancement in Forensic Science

The human teeth are considered as hard tissues similar to finger impressions (trustworthy means in a body found before decay or marring). Forensic dentistry is a comparatively young science that employs the awareness of dentists to assist the legal system. It has recognised itself as a vital science in medical and legal problems, particularly in the areas of individual recognition, sex determination, and age approximation. Teeth are highly repellent to surrounding influences like erosion, dehydration, putrefaction, and they can be utilised as criminal proofs. Skeletal remains, particularly teeth, can be used to identify people in crimes and catastrophic disasters. Enamel rod end motifs have recently become prominent as a subject of study. Ameloglyphics is a phrase that has been used to describe the investigation of these prints. The tooth imprints are one of a kind with differences between teeth from different people as well as within the same person. In terms of criminal dental recognition, mostly when it comes to recognising preys of man-made disasters, such as multiple casualties in army conflicts and wars, new and applicable methods of recognition and validation are urgently needed. This review article focuses on the rationale for employing enamel rod end patterns, as well as the methods for collecting them and identifying their sub-patterns and further suggests these tooth prints as analogues for fingerprints in deceased identification in disasters, crimes and other tragedies.

Ameloglyphics – A New Thought to Forensic Odontology, A Review

Soft tissues are unable to provide reliable information of human identification in mass disasters, it is largely feasible with skeletal remains especially teeth. There is a crucial need for new and dependable methods for recognition and confirmation of victims in mass disasters. Forensic Odontology employs various methods like rugoscopy, dental labelling, DNA analysis from dental pulp, bite marks analysis, etc. Currently it embraces the study of enamel rods end patterns. Ameloglyphics is an analysis of the end patterns of the enamel rod. These patterns have been found to be unique to the individual teeth of the same individual, as well as to different individuals. A potential association between the type of enamel rod end pattern and the incidence of dental caries can help to predict the individual's susceptibility to caries and to implement preventive measures. Individual identification is becoming more important than ever in today's world. Numerous techniques have been used for victim recognition in forensic dentistry, including rugoscopy, cheiloscopy, bite marks, dental impressions (ameloglyphics), radiographs, photographic samples, and biochemical approaches .The use of enamel rod end patterns may be used to identify the susceptibility of an individual to common dental conditions that are acquired during one's lifetime.
 Keywords: Biometric analyses; Forensic science; Acid etching, Peel technique ;Automated biometric technique.

Ameloglyphics why Not with Stains?- An Observational Study

Background: In forensic Odontology, the term ameloglyphics refers to the study of enamel rod end patterns. These enamel rod end patterns are specific and are different for each individual. Enamel is the hardest tissue and it is resistant to several environmental factors like fire, acid exposure and microbial decomposition.
 Aims: This study was done to evaluate various stains and staining methods in tooth prints under stereomicroscope. The purpose of the study is to find out the utility of several stains for studying the enamel rod end patterns in forensic Odontology.
 Methods: Twenty seven freshly extracted maxillary premolars were collected for the study from the Department of Oral & maxillofacial Surgery. All the teeth collected were irrespective of age to avoid the bias related to different enamel characteristics of deciduous teeth.
 Results: In our study, hematoxylin and toluidine blue showed the surface score of 7 out of 9 which was the highest when compared to remaining stains. On comparing 3 different staining methods using hematoxylin and toluidine blue stains in soak method showed superior score when compared to other two methods.
 Conclusions: To conclude, Ameloglyphics patterns can be studied by staining the tooth. Hematoxylin and toluidine blue stains can be used for studying the Ameloglyphics pattern. Soak method of staining the tooth can be done to study the pattern. Ameloglyphics patterns can play an important role in personal identification using staining methods and shows promising future in field of forensics.

Ameloglyphics Patterns of Primary and Permanent Dentition Using Staining Method: An Observational Study

Background: Forensic Odontology is a branch of Odontology which in the interest of justice deals with the proper handling and examination of dental evidence and with the proper evaluation and presentation of dental findings. Various applications of forensic dentistry include age estimation, bite mark analysis, ameloglyphics, rugoscopy, cheiloscopy, photographic study, genetic material analysis, and PCR for pulp DNA analysis. The aim of this study is to find out the utility of Hematoxylin and Toluidine blue stains in studying enamel rod end patterns of various dentitions in forensic odontology.
 Results: In our study, Mean and standard deviation value of Hematoxylin and Toluidine blue showed the surface score of 6.4±1.782 and 6.6±1.979 respectively. Both maxillary and mandibular Permanent central Incisors showed lowest scores when compared to remaining dentition included in the study.
 Conclusion: To conclude, Ameloglyphics patterns can be studied by staining the tooth. The Ameloglyphics pattern can be analyzed using hematoxylin and toluidine blue stains. Ameloglyphics patterns can be used as a valuable tool in personal identification when stained correctly, and they have a bright future in forensic dentistry.

Ameloglyphics: A feasible forensic tool in dentistry

Ameloglyphics: A feasible forensic tool in dentistry - JOOO- Print ISSN No: - 2395-6186 Online ISSN No:- 2395-6194 Article DOI No:- 10.18231/j.jooo.2019.028, Journal of Oral Medicine, Oral Surgery, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology-J Oral Med Oral Surg Oral Pathol Oral Radiol

Analysis of enamel rod end pattern for personal identification.

Background:Microscopically, groups of enamel rods run in unique direction, which differ from adjacent group of enamel rods and results in forming different patterns of enamel rod endings on tooth surface. These are called as tooth prints and they help in personal identification in forensic odontology.Aims and Objectives:The aim of the present study is to analyze the enamel rod end pattern on the tooth surface for personal identification and to analyze the familial inheritance of enamel rod end pattern.Materials and Methods:In the present study, 100 different families were considered for the analysis of tooth print pattern. In each family, four members were present. The maxillary central incisor, canine and first premolar were selected. Enamel rod end pattern was recorded using acetate peel technique and analyzed using Verifinger® standard SDK version 6.7 software.Statistical Analysis:Data analysis was performed using the SPSS software. Contingency coefficient statistical analysis was used for the comparison of tooth print pattern in incisors, canines and premolars based on age and gender. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:The present study showed that a tooth print is composed of combination of eight distinct subpatterns, namely wavy branched, wavy unbranched, linear branched, linear unbranched, whorl open, whorl closed, loop and stem-like pattern. Wavy branched pattern was found to be the most predominant pattern in incisors, canines and first premolars in our study. Familial tendency of tooth print pattern in incisors, canines and premolars was noticed in 65%, 66% and 52% of the families, respectively.Conclusion:Tooth prints are unique to an individual and can be used as a valuable inexpensive tool in forensic odontology for personal identification.

Tooth Print: Counterpart of Finger Print in Forensics

Polymorphisms-finding differences has been the backbone of forensic investigation since decades and a radical shift in finding the same has been advanced with tooth prints. Microscopically structures of tooth show a vivid pattern of enamel rod end pattern which is distinctive among the individuals. This distinctive evolved physical features of human is of utmost significance in identification when accompanied with natural and/or manmade disaster. Few method like acid etching technique, Acetate peel technique and Automated biometrics are being used to observe the enamel rod end pattern. More studies are needed to evaluate the reliability and feasibility of the method with an intent to advance in the field of tooth prints in forensic science investigation.

Are Tooth Prints a Hard Tissue Equivalence of Finger Print in Mass Disaster: A Rationalized Review.

Personal identification methods may not be efficient when bodies are decomposed, burned, in cases of mass disasters when soft tissue cannot provide reliable information or has been lost. Various methods currently employed in forensic odontology for personal identification include comparing with antemortem dental charts, rugoscopy, denture labeling, DNA analysis from dental pulp, bite mark analysis, etc., Recently, there is growing interest in the study of enamel rod end patterns. These enamel rod end patterns are termed as “Tooth prints” and the study of these prints is known as “Ameloglyphics” (amelo: Enamel, Glyphics: Carvings). This review encompasses about the basis of using enamel rod end patterns, methods of obtaining the patterns and further suggests these tooth prints as an analogy to finger print in personal identification in mass disasters.

Ameloglyphics: A possible forensic tool for person identification following high temperature and acid exposure.

Introduction:Forensic odontology is a branch that is evolving over time and has opened newer avenues that may help in the identification of individuals. Tooth prints are the enamel rod end patterns on tooth surface and they are considered as a hard tissue analog to fingerprints. Teeth have the highest resistance to most environmental effects like fire, desiccation, and decomposition, and may be used as a forensic evidence.Aims and Objectives:The aim of the study was to evaluate if the tooth prints could be used for an individual's identification and reproducibility and permanency of these tooth prints after exposing the teeth to acid and various degrees of temperature.Materials and Methods:90 tooth prints from 20 freshly extracted maxillary premolar teeth were obtained. Cellophane tape technique was used to record enamel rod end patterns on tooth surface. Ten teeth (one from each patient) were immersed in 36.46% hydrochloric acid and the tooth prints were obtained at various intervals (5 min, 10 min, and 20 min). The other 10 teeth (one from each patient) were incinerated and impression was made at various intervals (80° C, 400° C, 600° C, and 750° C). Tooth prints obtained from different teeth (total of 90 tooth prints) were analyzed using Verifinger® standard SDK version 5.0 software.Results:All the 20 original tooth prints were distinct from each other and no inter-individual or intra-individual similarity was found. The tooth prints from the same tooth after it was exposed to acid or heat were reproducible and showed high to very high similarity with the original tooth print of that particular tooth stored in the database.Conclusion:Tooth prints may be used as an effective aid in person identification even in adverse conditions such as burn and acid attack injuries.

Need for Newer Techniques for Personal Identification

Modern life is characterized by the concentration of large populations in a given area. With this comes an increased need for new and reliable methods of forensic identification to identify victims of mass disasters. Ameloglyphics (the study of enamel rod end patterns on a tooth surface) reveals that the enamel rod end pattern is unique for each tooth in an individual. It shows both intra- and inter individual variation. The use of these different patterns can also be extended to identification and possible correlation between the occurrence of several congenital defects and acquired diseases. Thus, this field demands a need for further exploration towards the use of tooth prints for establishing an individual's identity which can turn out to be an emerging aid in personal identification.

Analysis of Enamel Rod End Pattern at Different Levels of Enamel and its Significance in Ameloglyphics

The aim of this study is to determining the thickness of enamel showing similar enamel rod end patterns, and extrapolating our study results to estimate the duration of time takes to change into the subsequent pattern due to in vivo brushing and its significance in ameloglyphics. Eighteen maxillary left first premolars were used in this study. Of these, three teeth were used to select appropriate abrasive paper among 80-, 400-, 600-grit silicon carbide abrasive papers and five teeth were used to check reliability of the selected abrasive paper. Ten teeth were used to analyze enamel rod end patterns. The patterns were analyzed at an interval of 1 μm thickness of enamel from the tooth surface till the change of third set of pattern to its subsequent pattern. Our study showed 600-grit silicon carbide abrasive paper abrades 1 μm thickness of enamel upon one rotation in microtome. Biometric analysis of enamel rod end patterns obtained from 10 extracted teeth revealed that 10%, 60% and 30% of enamel rod end patterns were similar up to 3 μm, 4 μm and 5 μm depth of enamel, respectively. In this study, 3-5 μm thickness of enamel showed similar enamel rod end pattern. On extrapolation our study results with earlier literature revealed that each enamel rod end pattern takes approximately 4-6 years to change into the subsequent pattern due to in vivo brushing. So, the enamel rod end pattern should record for at least every 4 years during its practical application.

Ameloglyphics: An adjunctive aid in individual identification

Human identification in homicides and mass disasters has been largely possible with skeletal remains, especially teeth, when soft tissue cannot provide reliable information or has been lost. From the point of forensic dental identification especially in identifying victims of man-made disasters such as in military conflicts and wars involving multiple fatalities, there is urgent need for new and reliable methods of identification and corroboration. Various methods currently employed in forensic odontology for personal identification include comparing with ante mortem dental charts, rugoscopy, denture labelling, DNA analysis from dental pulp, bite mark analysis, etc. Recently there is growing interest in the study of enamel rod end patterns. These enamel rod end patterns are termed as tooth prints and the study of these prints is known as Ameloglyphics (amelo: Enamel, glyphics: Carvings). The tooth prints are unique, exhibiting dissimilarity both between teeth of different individuals and of the same individual. This uniqueness of the tooth print could be used as a valuable tool in forensic science for personal identification. This review highlights about the basis of using enamel rod end patterns, methods of obtaining the patterns, and delineating its sub-patterns.

Ameloglyphics and predilection of dental caries

Background:Dental caries is an infectious disease of microbiologic origin resulting in destruction and loss of tooth structure and is related to every speciality of dentistry. Many studies have been carried out to identify the causative factors, methods of prevention, and treatment of dental caries. Ameloglyphics is the study of enamel rod end patterns. These patterns have been found to be unique to individual teeth of the same individual and also to different individuals. A possible correlation between the type of enamel rod end pattern and the occurrence of dental caries might help in predicting caries susceptibility of an individual and implementation of preventive measures. This is a simple and easy method cutting short elaborate methods currently in use and can be invaluable in caries prevention.Objective:This study is aimed at ascertaining the possibility of a correlation between enamel rod end patterns and occurrence of dental caries, which might help in identifying predisposition to dental caries.Materials and Methods:Thirty carious and 30 noncarious teeth were used to obtain enamel rod end patterns. Occurrence of any particular pattern in either of the study groups, which might affect the predisposition of teeth to dental caries was analyzed.Results:No particular rod end pattern was found in teeth affected by dental caries. Also, no particular pattern was found to be unique to teeth not affected by dental caries.

Analysis of Enamel Rod End Patterns on Tooth Surface for Personal Identification—Ameloglyphics

Ameloglyphics is the study of enamel rod end patterns on a tooth surface. Our aim was to study the in vivo analysis of enamel rod end patterns on tooth surfaces for personal identification. In this study, the maxillary left canine and 1st premolar of 30 men and 30 women were included. The cellulose acetate peel technique was used to record enamel rod endings on tooth surfaces. Photomicrographs of the acetate peel imprint were subjected to VeriFinger Standard SDK v5.0 software for obtaining enamel rod end patterns. All 120 enamel rod end patterns were subjected to visual analysis and biometric analysis. Biometric analysis revealed that the enamel rod end pattern is unique for each tooth in an individual. It shows both intra- and interindividual variation. Enamel rod end patterns were unique between the male and female subjects. Visual analysis showed that wavy branched subpattern was the predominant subpattern observed among examined teeth. Hence, ameloglyphics is a reliable technique for personal identification.

Efficacy of various materials in recording enamel rod endings on tooth surface for personal identification

Aim:To analyze efficacy of cellulose acetate film, cellophane tape, and light body impression material in recording enamel rod endings on tooth surface for personal identification.Materials and Methods:Surface enamel rod endings of 30 extracted teeth were recorded from the same area of the same tooth for two times using cellulose acetate film, cellophane tape, and light body impression material. Photomicrographs of enamel rod endings were taken and subjected to Verifinger standard SDK version 5.0 software for analysis. Minutiae scores of all enamel rod end patterns obtained using these three imprint materials were statistically analyzed.Results:Cellulose acetate film imprint showed complete enamel rod end patterns and the software was able to identify the particular tooth with the same previous identification number in subsequent recordings as well. Cellophane tape and light body rubber-base impression material imprint showed incomplete enamel rod end patterns and the software failed to identify the particular tooth with the same previous identification number in subsequent recordings. Statistical analysis revealed that cellulose acetate film recorded more number of minutiae points compared with the other imprint materials.Conclusion:Cellulose acetate film is a reliable material for recording enamel rod endings on tooth surface for personal identification compared with cellophane tape and light body rubber-base impression material.

Is re-creation of human identity possible using tooth prints? An experimental study to aid in identification

Enamel in teeth, as documented is the hardest substance in the entire human body. Tooth prints are the enamel rod end patterns on the tooth surface. Could this fact be a boon in utilizing it for an individual's identification in the hands of forensic experts? A study has been attempted towards the same. These tooth prints were recorded for 60 extracted tooth specimens after acid etching using a cellophane tape. Subsequently a digital image of the print was obtained which was subjected to biometric conversion using Verifinger standard SDK version 6.0 software followed by the use of Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) software for comparison of the tooth prints. In results we observed that tooth prints were composed of varied patterns and sub-patterns. A comparison was made between the tooth prints of different and the same individual and also between different classes of teeth (incisors, canines, premolars and molars). None of the patterns exhibited intra- and inter-individual similarity. Nor did any particular class of the tooth could be preferentially used over the other for an individual identification. This field demands a need for further exploration towards the use of tooth prints for establishing an individual's identity.