Bite Marks In Forensic Dentistry

Bite Marks In Forensic Dentistry

Bite marks.
Answer:

• When the dentition of a human/animal impresses the surface of an object during the act of biting, a mark is imprinted called a bite mark.

Characteristics:

• It includes the size and shape of the pattern.
• It should be consistent with the dental arch size of the suspected biter.
• It retains a circular shape consisting of two half arches separated by a space i.e., a temporomandibular joint.
• One each should be larger representing the maxillary arch.
• Individual characteristics.
  1. Maxillary central incisor – large rectangle.
  2. Mandibular incisor and maxillary lateral incisor – small rectangle
  3. Cuspid – point or triangle
  4. Maxillary cuspid – figure eight pattern.
  5. Mandibular cuspid – point.
  6. Molar – not seen routinely.

Significance:

• It is used for forensic purposes.
• The pattern left by the teeth can be evaluated and compared to the dentition and suspected caused it.
• No two individuals have an identical dentition, thus, useful in forensic dentistry.