Forensic Dental Identification Research Articles

Current trends in the methods of identification in forensic dentistry: a review of literature

Current trends in the methods of identification in forensic dentistry: a review of literature

Exploring the feasibility of smartphone cameras for 3D modelling of bite patterns in forensic dental identification

The field of bitemark analysis involves examining physical alterations in a medium resulting from contact with teeth and other oral structures. Various techniques, such as 2D and 3D imaging, have been developed in recent decades to ensure precise analysis of bitemarks. This study assessed the precision of using a smartphone camera to generate 3D models of bitemark patterns. A 3D model of the bite mark pattern was created using 3Shape TRIOSTM and a smartphone camera combined with monoscopic photogrammetry. The mesiodistal dimensions of the anterior teeth were measured using Rapidform Explorer and OrtogOnBlender, and the collected data were analyzed using IBM® SPSS® Statistics version 23.0. The mean mesiodistal dimension of the anterior teeth, as measured on the 3D model from 3Shape TRIOSTM and smartphone cameras, was found to be 6.95 ± 0.7667 mm and 6.94 ± 0.7639 mm, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference between the two measurement methods, p > 0.05. The outcomes derived from this study unequivocally illustrate that a smartphone camera possessing the specific parameters detailed in this study can create a 3D representation of bite patterns with an accuracy level on par with the outputs of a 3D intraoral camera. These findings underscore the promising trajectory of merging smartphone cameras and monoscopic photogrammetry techniques, positioning them as a budget-friendly avenue for 3D bitemark analysis. Notably, the monoscopic photogrammetry methodology assumes substantial significance within forensic odontology due to its capacity for precise 3D reconstructions and the preservation of critical measurement data.

A morphometric study of Bonwill’s triangle for gender differences in dry mandibles of the Indian population

Bonwill's triangle, an imaginary equilateral triangle of the mandible, can cause mandibular alignment issues in post-dental occlusion, complete dentures, and mandibular fractures due to incorrect measurements across genders. This study aimed to analyze Bonwill's triangle size in dry mandible bones of the Indian population, focusing on gender differences to create error awareness in dental treatments and mandibular fractures. The study involved fifty-three dry human mandibles, segregated into male and female based on metric and non-metric parameters. The study measured the distances between the center of the right condyle to the midpoint of medial mandibular incisors (X-Y), the center point of the left condyle to the midpoint of medial mandibular incisors (Y-Z), and the center point of both condyles (Z-X). The mean lengths of Bonwill's triangular measurements in males were X-Y (101.08 mm), Y-Z (100.39 mm), and Z-X (97.06 mm), while females had 100.3 mm, 99.45mm, and 93.41mm respectively. Only two sides of the triangle were in accordance with Bonwill's theory. In the Indian population, Bonwill's triangle was significantly larger in male mandibles, and the intercondylar distance (Z-X) was less than 100mm in both genders, resulting in an isosceles triangle. Bonwill's triangle serves as a basis for modern technology to find geometric parameters for fractured mandibles and dental procedures, sex identification in forensic dentistry, anthropological studies, and bone grafts.

Intelligent Materials for Labeling Dentures in Forensic Dental Identification—A Pilot Study

(1) Background: the present study continues previous research on new marking techniques by using intelligent materials, NFC-tags (Near Field Communication tags) and Aerogel. They prevent the loss of information over time for cadavers of unknown identities in various stages of destruction or unknown living victims, as well as missing persons who have lost or are concealing their identity. (2) Methods: this study consisted of a technological and an experimental stage. In the technological stage, two different sizes were used: round (Ø 1 cm, 0.1 mm thickness, 0.1 g weight) and square (5/5/0.1 mm), both with a 140 byte memory and high-temperature resistance (at max. 200 °C), (by the classical producing technology). After loading the identification information on the NFC-tags, they were embedded (either alone or protected by Aerogel) in the sample dentures using a new “sandwich technique” method, before the polymerization process. In the experimental stage, the sample dentures with the new materials were exposed to various damaging environments such as liquid media (sea water, fresh water, alcohol 40%, and HCl 0.2%) in order to test the time resistance of the identification elements. The samples were monitored and tested over four years. (3) Results: the information stored on the NFC tags was retrieved unaltered at the end of the monitoring period, regardless of the damage caused by the liquid media to the sample denture material and will provide an innovative solution as compared to other labeling methods. (4) Conclusion: the use of intelligent materials for labeling acrylic dentures provides additional reliability by preserving the identification information over time.

Analysis of smiling photograph; Operation US-Bangla Air Crash.

Human identification may be difficult when there is no antemortem data available. A photograph of the deceased may be valuable in such cases. Digital advancement and inclusion in the lives of ordinary people makes it easier to retrieve clear, high-resolution photos from social media accounts and other places. This paper describes three cases of forensic dental identification from a US-Bangla plane crash in Nepal in which a charred body was positively identified from a smiling photograph provided by the deceased's family. Each case is unique and their identification rests on the availability of pre- and post-mortem information. Thus, the number of concordant points may vary from single to multiple; there is no defined criteria for minimum number of concordance for a positive dental identification.

Forensic odontology in human identification in multiple victims' incidents

The approval in 2009, of the Protocolo Nacional de actuación Médico-Forense y de Policía Científica en sucesos con víctimas múltiples, was the basic normative to formally regulate both the technical procedures that must be applied, and the different tasks to be carried out in a disaster victim incident in Spain. This article reviews the procedures and techniques used in forensic odontology for human identification in DVI incidents with multiple victims. Given that the recognition of the individualising characteristics of the teeth, and in general the odontological data, supposes a highly specialised process, it is essential the assistance of forensic dentists with experience in this field, who will have the training and the knowledge to carry out the dental procedures such as documenting dental records, accurate interpretation of the results, and withdraw precise dental identification conclusions. Finally, recommendations for the preparation of forensic dental identification reports are included in this review.

La odontología en la identificación de sucesos con víctimas múltiples

The approval in 2009, of the Protocolo Nacional de actuación Médico-Forense y de Policía Científica en sucesos con víctimas múltiples, was the basic normative to formally regulate both the technical procedures that must be applied, and the different tasks to be carried out in a disaster victim incident in Spain. This article reviews the procedures and techniques used in forensic odontology for human identification in DVI incidents with multiple victims. Given that the recognition of the individualizing characteristics of the teeth, and in general the odontological data, supposes a highly specialized process, it is essential the assistance of forensic dentists with experience in this field, who will have the training and the knowledge to carry out the dental procedures such as documenting dental records, accurate interpretation of the results and withdraw precise dental identification conclusions. Finally, recommendations for the preparation of forensic dental identification reports are included in this review.

Forensic Odontology: Science, Skills and Future Prospects

Forensic odontology is a growing field with a lot of room for advancement. It has established itself as a necessaryscience in medical and legal problems, as well as in the identification of the deceased. Even if a person is skeletonized,degraded, burned, or dismembered, dental tissues are frequently retained. Using dental tissues, many methodshave been devised to establish a person’s age, sex, and ethnicity. In forensic dental identification, data gatheringmethods and auxiliary technology have experienced substantial changes. This article gives an overview of thechanging trends in traditional approaches as well as new forensic odontology ideas.

Application of 3D imaging and selfies in forensic dental identification

With increased access to smartphones, the selfie has gained immense popularity in the past decade. Selfie images could be a significant source of ante-mortem (AM) image data in cases where dental records are unavailable or considered insufficient. The application of 3D imaging and selfies has not been explored to its full potential in human dental identification. The present study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using selfies as AM data and comparing with 3D post-mortem (PM) scans as an alternative to multiple 2D PM photographs in forensic dental identification. The study sample consisted of 18 selfies (12 matching and 6 non-matching) and 15 3D dental scans obtained from the study participants. The study sample was assessed by 6 experienced forensic odontologists (Raters) in two phases; Phase I-Visual comparison of 2D selfies to 3D scans and Phase II-2D selfies superimposed upon 3D scans. Each rater looked at 15 cases, and a total of 1620 comparisons were made by 6 raters (72 for the 12 matching cases and 1548 were for non-matching) and the opinions for each of the comparisons were analyzed. The results of the study show that use of the 3D superimposition method increased the certainty of the conclusions reached by the raters for the cases with correct matches. Furthermore, 94.2% of the 1548 non-matching comparisons were correctly excluded, compared with 77% for the 2D visual comparison method. The study demonstrated the applicability of this 3D method as a valuable tool in assisting the forensic odontologist with dental identification using selfies.

Recent advances in forensic odontology made easy in identification

Forensic odontology is an evolving science and has a greater scope of development. It has established as an indispensable science in medico-legal matters and in the identification of the dead person. The dental tissues are often preserved even if the deceased person is skeletonized, decomposed, burnt, or dismembered. Various methods have been developed to determine age, sex, and ethnicity of the person, using dental tissues. Data collection methods and supplementary technologies used in forensic dental identification have undergone significant transformation. This article provides an overview of the evolving trends in the recent concepts used in forensic odontology.

IDENTIfyme Informative Campaign: Raising Forensic Dental Identification Awareness in the Community.

The identification of human remains can be performed visually through families and next-of-kin, but it is not advisable to rely only on visual recognition; instead, it is preferable to conduct a forensic comparison of antemortem and postmortem data for primary identifiers (fingerprints, DNA, and dental data). A dental autopsy is particularly valuable in the identification process of skeletonized, carbonized, saponified, and fragmented human remains. The principal challenge in the identification process is the search and collection of antemortem data. To this end, all dental information held on a missing person can represent a precious source of individualizing information that families should share with the police or investigating agencies after reporting a disappearance.

Recent advances in forensic odontology: An overview

Forensic odontology is a branch of forensic sciences that uses the skill of a dentist in personal identification during mass calamities, sexual assault, and child abuse to name a few. Forensic odontology is an evolving science and has a greater scope of development. Recent advances in the field of genetics and molecular biology have contributed to the rapid growth of forensic odontology. In case of a crime scene, forensic odontologists play a major role in investigating and interpreting dental evidence. Forensic odontologists utilize the knowledge of dentistry in bite mark analysis, fixation of identity in mass disasters, and age estimation. Thus, the duty and responsibility of forensic odontologists has increased in recent years. Therefore, practicing dentists and dental students should be made aware of the available newer technologies and its use in forensic dentistry. This article gives an overview of recent advances used in identification in forensic dentistry.

Use of dental CBCT software for evaluation of medical CT-acquired images in a multiple fatality incident: Proof of principles.

Comparison of post-mortem dental findings to ante mortem dental records is a well-established, frequently used scientific means of human identification. Dentistry has adapted a form of CT scanning that uses a cone-shaped beam and is thus termed cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). CBCT is presently being used in many aspects of dentistry including osseointegrated implant planning, orthodontics, endodontics, investigation of pathology, and assessment prior to complex dental extractions. The identification of seven individuals from multiple fatality incident was undertaken using a simple technique for completing comparative radiographic dental identifications using post-mortem medical computed tomographic (CT) image-acquisition techniques and commercially available dental software normally used in clinical care. The authors will show the means by which the harvesting of anatomically important data from medical CTs and conversion of these files was undertaken to provide crisp, clear post-mortem dental images for forensic comparison to assist in the identification of two adults and provide age stratification of three juveniles. The use of this technique has shown to be beneficial for expediting efficient identification of deceased individuals, helping to isolate which cases may need additional scientific methods of identification, saving time and money to the organization and eliminating biological/body substance or radiation exposure to the operator. The application of this software for use in forensic dental identification cases is presented, and the methodology to create post-mortem images suitable for comparison is detailed.

Survey of dental hygienists' and dental hygienist students' attitudes towards body identification tasks of unidentified human remains.

Dental findings are used to identify unidentified human remains. The post-mortem records, necessary for the appraisal of dental findings, are created by the dentist; however, a system for dental hygienists specializing in these tasks to utilize has not yet been considered. This study was directed at both students at a dental hygienist school and dental hygienists. We conducted an awareness survey on their willingness to participate in these tasks, as well as the need for education regarding body identification tasks. The results showed that students and dental hygienists are highly interested in body identification tasks and highly motivated to participate. Numerous participants preferred to take courses regarding basic knowledge in both lecture and practical training settings to acquire the knowledge necessary for performing these tasks. It is necessary to consider the curriculum content and timing of lectures and practices related to body identification tasks. Participation limited to the creation of post-mortem records, except for the creation of antemortem records requiring diagnosis and treatment knowledge and the matching task of antemortem records and post-mortem records, should be considered to prevent the tasks of dental hygienists from excessively expanding. If dental hygienists train properly, intraoral findings records can be drawn up by a team consisting of 1 dentist and 1 dental hygienist. Therefore, it is expected that the use of forensic dental identification, which is a relatively quick identification method, will be further improved.

Forensic dental identification using two-dimensional photographs of a smile and three-dimensional dental models: A 2D-3D superimposition method

Photographs of a person smiling may provide valuable information about their anterior dentition. These images can be an alternative ante-mortem (AM) dental source in cases with no dental records, which gives the forensic odontologist a significant opportunity for comparative dental analysis. There are no reported studies that have investigated the reliability of a superimposition technique using 2D photographs of a smile and 3D dental models in dental identification. The aim of this study was to explore novel odontological methods by combining 2D photographs with 3D dental models, simulating a dental identification scenario. The objective was to increase the accuracy of dental identification using an AM photograph with the aid of 3D imaging as an alternative to post-mortem (PM) photographs. The study comprised of 31 3D dental models (simulating PM information) and 35 digital photographs (simulating AM information). The data was analysed in two phases: Phase I- Visual Comparison of 2D-3D images and Phase II- 2D-3D superimposition after a wash out period. Both methods were analysed by the principal investigator. Further, one-third (ten) of the sample was evaluated by six raters (three experienced forensic odontologists and three forensic odontology MSc. students). The inter-rater agreement was assessed using intra-class correlation (ICC 2, 1, absolute). The results of the study suggest that the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability using 3D superimposition was highest (ICC ≈ 1.0). In summary, there was an increase in match rates and higher certainty among the opinions reached when using the 2D-3D superimposition method. The procedure attempted to reduce the limitations of previously existing 2D methods and is intended to assist forensic experts with an alternative method in dental identification when expressing conclusions on a case using photographs.

Determining the effective number and surfaces of teeth for forensic dental identification through the 3D point cloud data analysis

BackgroundThe assimilation between three-dimensional (3D) imaging techniques and dental forensic science can provide rich and stable information for human identification. This study aimed to determine the effective number and surfaces of teeth for dental identification through the 3D imaging approach.Material and methodsIn the present study, maxillary dental casts were fabricated from subjects who met the inclusion criteria and scanned using a 3D scanner Vivid 910. Rapidform XOS/SCAN software was used to create and trim the 3D point cloud data. Subsequently, two types of 3D surface data of dental casts were registered and the root mean square errors (RMSEs) between subjects were calculated using iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm in MATLAB. Two sets of experiments with 120 combinations of the superimposed 3D dataset were designed, termed as experiments 1 and 2.ResultsIn experiment 1, the difference between subjects was clearly distinguished with a minimum of six teeth of the dental arch. The results of experiment 2 suggest that the labial surfaces of the anterior teeth are sufficient to be used for dental identification.ConclusionThrough these experiments for all possible pairs of subjects, a clear difference was observed in the RMSE between the genuine and imposter pairs. These results indicate the potential of using the 3D imaging technique to achieve highly accurate human identification. It is suggested that a future study with a larger sample number will evaluate the robustness and accuracy of this method.

Modeling of central incisors position indicators in boys and girls according to CC. steiner method for forensic dental identification

Modeling of central incisors position indicators in boys and girls according to CC. steiner method for forensic dental identification

Forensic dental identification of remains in five prefectures in the Kansai region of Japan

AbstractThe numbers of forensic dental analyses and police dentists performing the analyses differ among the prefectures in Japan. Very little is known about the numbers of these analyses and the processes used to enlist dental experts. This report investigated the method of assigning police dentists for identification of the remains, number of the dentists, number of assigned dental analyses, payment for dental services, etc in five prefectures in the Kansai region. The number of studied remains, dental analyses, and identification by the dental experts annually processed by prefectural police stations in 2015, 2016, and 2017 are summarized. The number of the dental analyses in the five prefectures in the Kansai region ranged from 0.3 to 2.3 per 100 recovered remains, which is considered low. There was no relationship between the number of the dental analyses performed and the number of the police dentists. Utilizing the results from this report enables the creation of a database to establish better systems for forensic dentistry, which will enable a larger number of the dental analyses and earlier and accurate identification of unidentified remains.

Identification of Sex Using Linear Skull Measures: The Importance of Imaging in Biotechnology

There are several methods used in the identification process of human remains. The most of them are based on comparing of antemortem and postmortem data available. Although the technique of fingerprinting is considered more accurate in many cases, it cannot be used when the bodies are mutilated, decomposed, burned, or fragmented. This article aims to compare the metric values obtained by Galvão (1994) and Saliba (2001) to differentiate male and female through dry skulls, using the measurement of the Radiocef Studio 2 Program. It was used 16 teleradiographs (11 females and 5 males). The linear measurements used in this article were: 1. The bodies stature of the mandible; and 2. Distance Nasium-Front Nasal Spine. Several radiological techniques are used to aid the human identification process for determining sex, ethnic group, and age. The analyses of X-rays and Computer Tomography (CT) scans, antemortem and postmortem, have been an important tool for human identification in forensic dentistry, especially with the refinement of techniques acquired with the advancement of radiology and CT scans. We concluded that the knowledge of the best method by forensic dentists with a careful application of the technique and report’s interpretation is essential to fulfilling the necessary characteristics for a successful identification of sex using skull measures.

Post-mortem computed tomography as part of dental identification - a proposed guideline.

This paper presents a proposed guideline for the use of post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) during forensic dental identification. Currently, whole-body PMCT is widely used prior to autopsies for the diagnosis of fractures, organ changes, hemorrhages, and for the localization of foreign bodies, but it may also facilitate the odontological identification process in single cases and in cases involving multiple fatalities. Several studies have described the use of PMCT in forensic odontological work, but we have not found any comprehensive set of guidelines on how to perform a forensic odontological examination using PMCT. The aim was to develop guidelines for creating post-mortem dental charts during forensic odontological identification examinations using the standard functions of PMCT. A proposed guideline was developed from 15 selected cases examined at the Section of Forensic Pathology, Department of Forensic Medicine at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark from October 2011 to May 2012. Using the functionalities and three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions of OsiriX DICOM-viewer software (Pixmeo Sarl, Bernex, Geneva, Switzerland) we adjusted the contrast and brightness settings and developed a proposed guideline for creating PMCT-based dental charts. A four-step guideline was produced. In our casework, we are currently using the guidelines proposed herein. The use of PMCT has allowed us to target our clinical examinations, greatly improving their efficiency. Furthermore, PMCT allows the storage of data for later documentation and research. Further research is needed to validate the proposed guideline.