NCJ Number
231639
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 55 Issue: 4 Dated: July 2010 Pages: 976-983
Date Published
July 2010
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Prediction of dental characteristics from a bitemark (bitemark profiling) and arbitrary photographic distortion compensation are two practices proposed in bitemark analysis. Recent research on the effect of inherent skin tension properties in bitemark analysis suggests that these practices are subject to review. A biting apparatus was used to create 66 bitemarks in human cadaver skin.
Abstract
The bitemarks were photographed, sized 1:1, and evaluated with Adobe Photoshop. Metric/angular measurements and hollow volume dental overlays were employed. Distortion produced was calculated and assessed. Results showed distortional ranges were nonuniform both between bites, as well as within each bite. Thus, enlarging/decreasing the photograph uniformly would not correct the distortion that resulted. With regard to bitemark profiling, 38 percent of the bites created patterns that could be misleading if profiled. Features were present/absent that were inconsistent with the biter's dentition. Conclusions indicate bitemark profiling and arbitrary distortion compensation may be inadvisable. (Published Abstract)