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Bitemarks Made by Denture Teeth - A Case Study

NCJ Number
98732
Journal
Canadian Journal of Forensic Science Volume: 17 Issue: 2 Dated: (1984) Pages: 62-72
Author(s)
D J McFarlane
Date Published
1984
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This paper describes the preservation and presentation of denture-bite evidence that assisted the Crown (Canada) in obtaining a murder conviction.
Abstract
Forensic experts used several techniques to present the dental evidence. The techniques involved the preparation of a stone model of the three-dimensional bitemark on the victim's right breast and the use of life-size photographs and acetate overlays of the accused's bite characteristics as well as a fingerprint-like comparison technique. Since the upper right cuspid tooth on the accused's denture was characteristically worn, the bitemark made by this tooth was incriminating. The detailed comparison of these bite characteristics made the case particularly interesting to forensic analysts. The paper provides detailed descriptions of the steps in evidence preservation, comparison procedures, evidence confirmation, and evidence presentation. Photographs portray the various forensic techniques used. Four references are listed.