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This article intends to familiarize the reader with the forensic odontologist's role in identifying human remains in mass disasters as well as identifying signs of violent assault using bite mark analysis. The principles of identification may be applied to one victim or multiple victims.
The ID-Band (SDI AB, Sweden) has become the standard, internationally and FDI accepted denture marking system. In Australia however the strip is not easily obtainable and is expensive. Two other materials have been trialled as possible alternatives: (1) Titanium foil (9 microns) and (2) Ho Band (matrix) (3 microns) (Lorvic Corp, USA). All three bands were tested for tensile strength and elongation at temperatures: RT, 700 degrees and 900 degrees C. As the ID- and Ho Bands are both 18-8 stainless steel their performance was similar. The 18-8 was stronger, had a higher percentage break point and a higher elongation. The latter meant that it was softer and could be more easily inscribed and was therefore more suitable for denture marking. T1 is becoming increasingly used in dentistry but in spite of its abundance it is not likely to replace stainless steel for denture marking at present. On the other hand the Ho Band is cheaper, more readily available and it could replace ID-Band for use in Australia. An alternative paper based marking system is also presented together with the rationale for its use.
Forensic dentistry can be defined in many ways. One of the more elegant definitions is simply that forensic dentistry represents the overlap between the dental and the legal professions. This two-part series presents the field of forensic dentistry by outlining two of the major aspects of the profession: human identification and bite marks. This first paper examines the use of the human dentition and surrounding structures to enable the identification of found human remains. Conventional and novel techniques are presented.
Dentures are not always marked. In Sweden legislation now exists to enforce it. This study was undertaken to establish the frequency of marked dentures, the incidence of edentulousness and a temperature resistance test of three possible marking bands. Patients from two long-term units were included in the study (n = 58). Observation of the dental status included absence of teeth, some teeth present and influence of dentures, complete, partial, upper or lower. Marking of the dentures was also recorded. Three different types of steel bands (Jasch; Remanit; ID-band) were exposed to temperature levels of 1100, 1200 and 1300 degrees C. Of a total of 58 patients 64% were edentulous and only 17 of the patients could be identified by means of the denture markings. None of the metal bands had readable markings at 1200 and 1300 degrees C, but at 1100 degrees C the ID-band and the Jasch band were readable, but not the Remanit band.
The frequency of edentulousness has decreased in recent years due to the improvement in oral health. However, there is still a need to address the issue of denture marking for social and legal reasons because the oral status of populations varies in different countries and the wearing of complete dentures will be a fact for the foreseeable future. Given that only one marked denture can tell us the identity of a decreased when all other methods fail makes it a worthwhile exercise. The marking of dentures is not regulated by law in Sweden, but it is recommended by the Swedish Board of Health and Welfare (SOSFS[M]1986), that all patients should be offered the opportunity to have their dentures marked, which they may refuse. In Sweden, the dental laboratories report that they mark all dentures. The Swedish ID-Band has become the international standard and FDI accepted denture marking system, but recent research has indicated that this metal band is not resistant to very high temperatures. Since there is no international consensus regarding the matter we suggest that new materials should be explored.
Over the years various methods of denture marking have been reported in the literature. They include surface marking and inclusion techniques using metallic or non-metallic materials, microchips and microlabels. The microchips are preferred because of their small size and aesthetic acceptability. They are not however widely used due to the high cost of manufacture and data incorporation. This article details the procedures involved in inscribing a microchip using the photochemical etching process used in the electronics industry. The resulting microchip was cosmetically appealing, cost effective and was able to satisfy all the forensic requirements for a suitable denture marker.
Denture marking or labelling is not a new concept in either prosthetic or forensic dentistry and its routine practice has been urged by forensic odontologists internationally for many years. In the general community it is often recommended for institutionalized persons to prevent confusion of ownership of dentures. In Australia, the Nursing Home Standards require that dentures of residents be 'discreetly labelled' and marking of all dentures is recommended by the Australian Dental Association. In some countries the marking of dentures is regulated by legislation, but elsewhere there seems to be a reluctance to effect this practice. Various methods which have been proposed include the insertion of an identifying label during the fabrication of the dentures with the utilization of a number of materials and coding systems. This study reports the results of a survey undertaken to determine the extent of the practice of denture marking in South Australia, the methods in use, and the attitudes of dentists, dental technicians and institutions to it. The results indicated that 24.5 per cent of all practitioners providing removable prostheses to their patients include an identifying label as part of the service on some occasions. This included 19.9 per cent of general dental practitioners, 25 per cent of specialist prosthodontists, 57.1 per cent of practitioners with training in forensic odontology, and 43.5 per cent of clinical dental technicians. No practitioner labelled dentures routinely. Reasons cited for not labelling dentures included cost, lack of awareness of standards and recommendations and a belief that it was of little importance.
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A preformed, T-shaped, clear acrylic resin bar can be utilized as a vehicle for identification of an existing removable dental prosthesis. A printed label attached to the T-bar makes a convenient vehicle for embedding the label in the prosthesis with light-cured acrylic resin. The resultant finished surface of the T-bar assembly provides a protective cover and an exceptionally clear window for viewing the label. The procedure is time-effective and relatively easy.
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This article describes a technique for placing a radio-based tagging transponder into a complete denture. The data stored in the transponder can be detected with a reading device, thus enabling the denture wearer to be identified.
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This procedure is easy to use and is cost-effective because it uses equipment that exist in any office or institution. The material used, transparency film for use with plain paper copier, is less expensive than either photographic slide film or normal slide films. Moreover, the transparency sheet can be used again for photocopying until the sheet is fully used up. There is no added cost of development of film, or is it necessary to wait for the whole roll of film to be used before the label can be retrieved and used. The background of the label is clear and only the black images of the characters of the label can be clearly seen. The effect of the transparency film, photocopy ink, and adhesive glue is not known. But no adverse effects have been noted. Microlabels have advantages over conventional labels with characters in font size 8 to 12, because more information, such as the full name of the patient, sex, country of origin, and national identification number can be incorporated. With more detailed information, quick identification of a deceased person can be made. Microlabels with a clear background will have minimal esthetic impact on the patient. The disadvantages of the technique is that it may not withstand a fire. In situations where the deceased body is badly burned, the denture and its identification strip may be burned, too. However, this risk can be minimized by placing the strip in the most posterior part of the denture-palatal in the maxillary denture and distal lingual in the mandibular denture. For testing of durability, dentures with the labels were placed in water for up to 4 months. The labels showed no sign of fading or deterioration.
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