Computer-based methods for accurate bite mark analysis

ABSTRACT

The study was carried out on 24 adult male volunteers, who were asked to make experimental bite marks [each in his forearm]. Full arch rubber base impressions were taken for the upper and lower jaws and accurate mould of the bite mark lesion was obtained using light and heavy body rubber base impressing materials. Then casts were created by pouring the impressions with dental stone. The overlays were produced using computer-based method by direct scanning of the study casts, computer-based method by direct image capture using digital video camera, hand tracing of the casts, xerographic imaging of the casts and radiopaque wax impression method. Surface area and rotation of the biting edges of the anterior teeth corresponding bite mark lesions were measured and compared. The computer-based method was determined to be the most accurate representative of the biting edges of the teeth as evident from the highest correlation coefficient yielded between the biting teeth and the corresponding bite mark lesion regarding the surface area and rotation