ABSTRACT
A review of the available literature does not reveal a plausible explanation as to why the incisal edges of maxillary anterior teeth do not always mark clearly. Generally, the mandibular incisal edges do mark with some consistency. This paper demonstrates through test bites on skin that the answer lies in the position of the mandible.
Subject(s)
Bites and Stings/pathology , Bites, Human/pathology , Humans , Incisor , Mandible/physiology , Maxilla/physiologyABSTRACT
Bite mark evidence has been admitted in a vast number of cases in courts throughout the United States, as well as other countries. Because there is variation in the dentition of humans, if bite marks are noted in a victim, it is possible in many cases to determine the identity of the perpetrator depending on the quality of the bite mark, its age, lack of distortion and documentation. In other cases, facial injuries, including damage to the frenum and teeth in addition to the face, may point to nonaccidental injury if the history corroborates this condition.
Subject(s)
Bites and Stings/etiology , Bites, Human/etiology , Child Abuse/diagnosis , Facial Injuries/etiology , Child , Female , Humans , Infant , MaleABSTRACT
Many techniques are described in the literature for use in making impressions of bite mark indentations. A representative technique is presented in detail. Several types of dental materials common to many impression techniques are reviewed with regard to their accuracy, ease of use, and dimensional stability over time. Adherence of materials and a model pouring technique are also discussed.
Subject(s)
Bites and Stings/pathology , Bites, Human/pathology , Dental Impression Materials , Dental Impression Technique , Forensic Medicine/methods , Dentition , HumansABSTRACT
Skeletal remains were discovered in an unused cistern near the Omaha, Nebraska airport and were positively identified through comparison of antemortem and postmortem dental radiographs. Although nearly nine years had elapsed between death and discovery, the bones and teeth revealed evidence of the application of a corrosive substance at or about the time of death, as well as an unusual restricted response to sun exposure, that contributed to the prosecution and murder conviction of a member of Hell's Angels in the Omaha area.