Three-dimensional analysis of bitemarks using an intraoral scanner

Area of Science:

• Forensic Dentistry
• Biotechnology
• 3D Imaging

Background:

• Accurate 3D analysis of bitemarks is crucial for forensic identification.
• Traditional methods for capturing bitemark data can be time-consuming and lack precision.
• Intraoral scanners offer a digital alternative for capturing dental topography in clinical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel 3D bitemark analysis protocol utilizing intraoral scanners.
• To assess the efficiency and accuracy of this protocol in comparing dentitions with recorded bitemarks.
• To establish a rapid method for excluding non-matching dentitions in forensic investigations.

Main Methods:

• Eight volunteers created bitemarks on dental wax and hard cheese.
• Both the bitemarks and the volunteers' dentitions were scanned using an intraoral scanner.
• Scan data was processed in CloudCompare® software for automated overlay generation and comparison using a colorimetric scale.

Main Results:

• The protocol successfully excluded incorrect dentitions within approximately twenty minutes.
• All scanned dentitions that created bitemarks showed a precise match with the indentations.
• The 3D imaging and comparison method effectively visualized meshing and non-meshing areas.

Conclusions:

• The proposed 3D intraoral scanning protocol provides an efficient and accurate method for bitemark analysis.
• This technique can significantly expedite the process of identifying or excluding suspects in forensic cases.
• Further validation is recommended using morphologically similar dentitions and skin samples.