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Demirjian's method is unsuitable for dental age estimation

Jayaraman J, Roberts G

Forensic Sci Med Pathol, 2016 12;12(4):532-533.
PMID: 27669714
Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Dentistry*
Forensic Odontology: A Boon to Community in Medico-legal Affairs

Chidambaram R

JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc, 2016 12 10;54(201):46-54.
PMID: 27935913

Forensic odontology is a sub-discipline of dental science which involves the relationship between dentistry and the law. The specialty of forensic odontology is applied in radiographic investigation, human bite marks analysis, anthropologic examination and during mass disasters. Besides the fact that radiographs require pretentious laboratory, it is still claimed to be a facile, rapid, non-invasive method of age identification in the deceased. The budding DNA technology has conquered the traditional procedures and currently being contemplated as chief investigating tool in revealing the hidden mysteries of victims and suspects, especially in hopeless circumstances. Forensic odontology has played a chief role in solving cold cases and proved to be strong evidence in the court of law. Systematic collection of dental records and preservation of the same would marshal the legal officials in identification of the deceased. To serve the forensic operation and legal authorities, dental professionals need to be familiar with the basics of forensic odontology, which would create a consciousness to preserve the dental data. The aim of this paper is to emphasize the vital applications of forensic odontology in medico-legal issues. Conjointly the recent advancements applied in forensic human identification have been updated.

Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Dentistry/methods*
Exploring the feasibility of smartphone cameras for 3D modelling of bite patterns in forensic dental identification

Kurniawan A, Hamdani J, Chusida A, Utomo H, Rizky BN, Prakoeswa BFWR, et al.

Leg Med (Tokyo), 2024 Mar;67:102399.
PMID: 38219704 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102399

The field of bitemark analysis involves examining physical alterations in a medium resulting from contact with teeth and other oral structures. Various techniques, such as 2D and 3D imaging, have been developed in recent decades to ensure precise analysis of bitemarks. This study assessed the precision of using a smartphone camera to generate 3D models of bitemark patterns. A 3D model of the bite mark pattern was created using 3Shape TRIOSTM and a smartphone camera combined with monoscopic photogrammetry. The mesiodistal dimensions of the anterior teeth were measured using Rapidform Explorer and OrtogOnBlender, and the collected data were analyzed using IBM® SPSS® Statistics version 23.0. The mean mesiodistal dimension of the anterior teeth, as measured on the 3D model from 3Shape TRIOSTM and smartphone cameras, was found to be 6.95 ± 0.7667 mm and 6.94 ± 0.7639 mm, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference between the two measurement methods, p > 0.05. The outcomes derived from this study unequivocally illustrate that a smartphone camera possessing the specific parameters detailed in this study can create a 3D representation of bite patterns with an accuracy level on par with the outputs of a 3D intraoral camera. These findings underscore the promising trajectory of merging smartphone cameras and monoscopic photogrammetry techniques, positioning them as a budget-friendly avenue for 3D bitemark analysis. Notably, the monoscopic photogrammetry methodology assumes substantial significance within forensic odontology due to its capacity for precise 3D reconstructions and the preservation of critical measurement data.

Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Dentistry/methods
Reliability and validity of five radiographic dental-age estimation methods in a population of Malaysian children

Kumaresan R, Cugati N, Chandrasekaran B, Karthikeyan P

J Investig Clin Dent, 2016 Feb;7(1):102-9.
PMID: 25048008 DOI: 10.1111/jicd.12116

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reliability and validity of Demirjian's, Willems, Nolla's, Haavikko's, and Cameriere's radiographic methods of dental-age estimation in a population of Malaysian children.
METHODS: A total of 426 dental panoramic radiographs of 5-15-year-old Malaysian children were included in the study. The mean age error and absolute age error for all the methods were calculated and their usability analyzed.
RESULTS: The Nolla, Willems. and Demirjian methods overestimated the dental age with a mean of 0.97, 0.54, and 0.54 years, respectively, while the Cameriere and Haavikko methods underestimated by 0.41 and 1.31 years, respectively. The Cameriere method was highly precise and accurate in the population of Malaysian children, whereas the Haavikko and Demirjian methods were the least precise and accurate.
CONCLUSIONS: The Cameriere method of dental-age estimation is highly valid and reliable for Malaysian population, followed by the Willems and Nolla methods.

Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Dentistry*
Identification from a bitemark in a wad of chewing gum

Nambiar P, Carson G, Taylor JA, Brown KA

J Forensic Odontostomatol, 2001 Jun;19(1):5-8.
PMID: 11494677

A wad of used chewing gum recovered from the scene of a burglary contained impressions of human teeth. Casts of these impressions displayed unique morphological characteristics which were found to show concordance with corresponding features present on casts of the posterior teeth of a suspect.

Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Dentistry/methods*
A comparative study between xerographic, computer-assisted overlay generation and animated-superimposition methods in bite mark analyses

Tai MW, Chong ZF, Asif MK, Rahmat RA, Nambiar P

Leg Med (Tokyo), 2016 Sep;22:42-8.
PMID: 27591538 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2016.07.009

This study was to compare the suitability and precision of xerographic and computer-assisted methods for bite mark investigations. Eleven subjects were asked to bite on their forearm and the bite marks were photographically recorded. Alginate impressions of the subjects' dentition were taken and their casts were made using dental stone. The overlays generated by xerographic method were obtained by photocopying the subjects' casts and the incisal edge outlines were then transferred on a transparent sheet. The bite mark images were imported into Adobe Photoshop® software and printed to life-size. The bite mark analyses using xerographically generated overlays were done by comparing an overlay to the corresponding printed bite mark images manually. In computer-assisted method, the subjects' casts were scanned into Adobe Photoshop®. The bite mark analyses using computer-assisted overlay generation were done by matching an overlay and the corresponding bite mark images digitally using Adobe Photoshop®. Another comparison method was superimposing the cast images with corresponding bite mark images employing the Adobe Photoshop® CS6 and GIF-Animator©. A score with a range of 0-3 was given during analysis to each precision-determining criterion and the score was increased with better matching. The Kruskal Wallis H test showed significant difference between the three sets of data (H=18.761, p<0.05). In conclusion, bite mark analysis using the computer-assisted animated-superimposition method was the most accurate, followed by the computer-assisted overlay generation and lastly the xerographic method. The superior precision contributed by digital method is discernible despite the human skin being a poor recording medium of bite marks.

Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Dentistry*
Integrating spectrophotometric and XRD analyses in the investigation of burned dental remains

Rahmat RA, Humphries MA, Austin JJ, Linacre AMT, Raven M, Self P

Forensic Sci Int, 2020 May;310:110236.
PMID: 32172179 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110236

Heat alters colour and crystallinity of teeth by destruction of the organic content and inducing hydroxyapatite crystal growth. The colour and crystallite changes can be quantified using spectrophotometric and x-ray diffraction analyses, however these analyses are not commonly used in combination to evaluate burned dental remains. In this study, thirty-nine teeth were incinerated at 300-1000 °C for 15 and 30 min and then measured using a spectrophotometer and an x-ray diffractometer. Response variables used were lightness, L*, and chromaticity a* and b* and luminance (whiteness and yellowness) for colour, and crystal size for crystallinity. Statistical analysis to determine the attribution of these variables revealed yellowness and crystal size were significantly affected by temperature (p < 0.05), whilst duration of heat-exposure showed no significant effect. This study suggests the inclusion of both spectrophotometric and x-ray diffraction in investigating thermal-heated teeth is useful to accurately estimate the temperature teeth are exposed to.

Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Dentistry
Third molars in the establishment of adult status--a case report

Nambiar P, Yaacob H, Menon R

J Forensic Odontostomatol, 1996 Dec;14(2):30-3.
PMID: 9227080

Teeth are the most durable structures in the human body. The timing and sequence of their development, as contained in dental development charts, have been used as valid criteria for age determination. The third molars however are the last teeth to erupt and are regarded as the most variable in the dentition. Age estimation in a legal context, using developing third molars must be carefully applied otherwise justice may miscarry. A case of wrongful use of the technique is presented here.

Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Dentistry/legislation & jurisprudence; Forensic Dentistry/methods*
Fulltext Comparison of cheiloscopy, odontometric, and facial index for sex determination in forensic dentistry

Priyadharshini KI, Ambika M, Sekar B, Mohanbabu V, Sabarinath B, Pavithra I

J Forensic Dent Sci, 2019 2 13;10(2):88-91.
PMID: 30745784 DOI: 10.4103/jfo.jfds_102_17

Background: The "gender determination" which is an important human identification procedure not only helps in establishing the biological profile from skeletal and dental remains but also in facial reconstruction of unidentified victims.
Aim: The aim of this study is to analyze predominant types of lip prints (cheiloscopy), accuracy of mandibular canine index (MCI) (odontometric), and facial index in the study population and to identify whether any correlation among the above parameters could help forensic dentistry in solving crimes.
Materials and Methods: A pilot study was conducted in 100 individuals, 50 males and 50 females aged between 20 and 25 years. For each individual, the lip prints, MCI, and facial index measurements were recorded on the same day analyzed by two observers. All the analysis was done using SPSS version 14 assessed using t-test and Chi-square test.
Results: Type II pattern of lip prints is observed as common pattern among male and female. There is no significant difference in Odontometric analysis. The mean value of facial index analysis in both genders shows highly significant.
Conclusion: A large-scale study is required in order to validate our results to arrive at definitive results and value.

Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Dentistry
Validity of Demirjian and Willems methods for dental age estimation for Malaysian children aged 5-15 years old

Nik-Hussein NN, Kee KM, Gan P

Forensic Sci Int, 2011 Jan 30;204(1-3):208.e1-6.
PMID: 20869825 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2010.08.020

BACKGROUND: One of the most commonly used method for dental age assessment is the method reported by Demirjian and coworkers in 1973. It was later modified by Willems and coworkers whereby they “performed a weighted ANOVA” in order to adapt the scoring system.
AIM: To evaluate the applicability of Demirjian and Willems methods for dental age estimation for Malaysian children and to correlate the accuracy of the findings with the chronology of tooth development of premolars and second molars.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 991 dental panoramic radiographs of 5-15-year-old Malaysian children were included in the study. The mean Demirjian and Willems estimated ages were compared to the mean chronological age.
RESULTS: The mean chronological age of the sample was 10.1±2.8 and 9.9±3.0 years for males and females respectively. Using the Demirjian method, the mean estimated dental age was 10.8±2.9 years for males and 10.5±2.9 years for females. For Willems method, the mean estimated age was 10.3±2.8 years males and 10.0±3.0 years respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: Willems method was more applicable for estimating dental age for Malaysian children. Overestimation in Demirjian method could be due to advanced development of second bicuspids and molars.

Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Dentistry/methods
Regression equations for sex and population detection using the lip print pattern among Egyptian and Malaysian adult

Abdel Aziz MH, Badr El Dine FM, Saeed NM

J Forensic Leg Med, 2016 Nov;44:103-110.
PMID: 27743546 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2016.10.003

INTRODUCTION: Identification of sex and ethnicity has always been a challenge in the fields of forensic medicine and criminal investigations. Fingerprinting and DNA comparisons are probably the most common techniques used in this context. However, since they cannot always be used, it is necessary to apply different and less known techniques such as lip prints.
AIM OF THE WORK: Is to study the pattern of lip print in Egyptian and Malaysian populations and its relation to sex and populations difference. Also, to develop equations for sex and populations detection using lip print pattern by different populations (Egyptian and Malaysian).
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The sample comprised of 120 adults volunteers divided into two ethnic groups; sixty adult Egyptians (30 males and 30 females) and sixty adult Malaysians (30 males and 30 females). The lip prints were collected on a white paper. Each lip print was divided into four compartments and were classified and scored according to Suzuki and Tsuchihashi classification. Data were statistically analyzed.
RESULTS: The results showed that type III lip print pattern (intersected grooves) was the predominant type in both the Egyptian and Malaysian populations. Type II and III were the most frequent in Egyptian males (28.3% each), while in Egyptian females type III pattern was predominant (46.7%). As regards Malaysian males, type III lip print pattern was the predominant one (41.7%), while type II lip print pattern was predominant (30.8%) in Malaysian females. Statistical analysis of different quadrants showed significant differences between males and females in the Egyptian population in the third and fourth quadrants. On the other hand, significant differences were detected only in the second quadrant between Malaysian males and females. Also, a statistically significant difference was present in the second quadrant between Egyptian and Malaysian males. Using the regression analysis, four regression equations were obtained.

Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Dentistry
Racial characteristics of human teeth with special emphasis on the Mongoloid dentition

Yaacob H, Nambiar P, Naidu MD

Malays J Pathol, 1996 Jun;18(1):1-7.
PMID: 10879216

Determining the racial affinity of an unknown individual from dentition for identification is indeed a difficult endeavour. However, there are certain dental characteristics which are predominant in certain racial groups and these contribute important indicators in the identification process. Inherited dental characteristics are modified by prenatal and postnatal environmental and nutritional conditions. They can also become less discernible due to admixture of the various races.

Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Dentistry/methods
Odontometric sex variation in Malaysians with application to sex prediction

Khamis MF, Taylor JA, Malik SN, Townsend GC

Forensic Sci Int, 2014 Jan;234:183.e1-7.
PMID: 24128748 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2013.09.019

Information about the sex of individuals is important for human identification. This study was conducted to quantify classification rates of sex prediction models for Malaysians using odontometric profiles. Mesiodistal (MD) and buccolingual (BL) crown dimensions of the permanent dentition were studied in 400 young adult Malaysians, giving a total of 28 tooth size variables. The sample consisted of three major ethnic groups, the Malays, Chinese and Tamils, since the aim was to assess sex dimorphism in Malaysians as a whole. Results showed that the mesiodistal diameter of the lower canine was the most sexually dimorphic dimension in Malaysian Malays and Tamils. Univariate analyses showed that the magnitude and pattern of sex dimorphism varies between these three ethnic groups, with Malaysian Chinese and Tamils being more dimorphic than the Malaysian Malays. Stepwise discriminant functions were generated bearing in mind their application in practical forensic situations. The range of classification rates was from 70.2% to 78.5% for the composite Malaysian group, and 83.8%, 77.9%, 72.4% for Malaysian Chinese, Malays and Tamils, respectively. The 'Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve statistics' indicated good classification rates for three prediction models obtained using a combination of all tooth size variables, mandibular teeth, and mesiodistal dimensions in the composite Malaysian group, and for all tooth size variables in each ethnic group. The present study provides strong support for the value of odontometry as an adjunct scientific method for sex prediction in human identification.

Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Dentistry
Application of third molar development and eruption models in estimating dental age in Malay sub-adults

Mohd Yusof MY, Cauwels R, Deschepper E, Martens L

J Forensic Leg Med, 2015 Aug;34:40-4.
PMID: 26165657 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2015.05.004

The third molar development (TMD) has been widely utilized as one of the radiographic method for dental age estimation. By using the same radiograph of the same individual, third molar eruption (TME) information can be incorporated to the TMD regression model. This study aims to evaluate the performance of dental age estimation in individual method models and the combined model (TMD and TME) based on the classic regressions of multiple linear and principal component analysis. A sample of 705 digital panoramic radiographs of Malay sub-adults aged between 14.1 and 23.8 years was collected. The techniques described by Gleiser and Hunt (modified by Kohler) and Olze were employed to stage the TMD and TME, respectively. The data was divided to develop three respective models based on the two regressions of multiple linear and principal component analysis. The trained models were then validated on the test sample and the accuracy of age prediction was compared between each model. The coefficient of determination (R²) and root mean square error (RMSE) were calculated. In both genders, adjusted R² yielded an increment in the linear regressions of combined model as compared to the individual models. The overall decrease in RMSE was detected in combined model as compared to TMD (0.03-0.06) and TME (0.2-0.8). In principal component regression, low value of adjusted R(2) and high RMSE except in male were exhibited in combined model. Dental age estimation is better predicted using combined model in multiple linear regression models.

Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Dentistry
Copper vapour laser ID labelling on metal dentures and restorations

Ling BC, Nambiar P, Low KS, Lee CK

J Forensic Odontostomatol, 2003 Jun;21(1):17-22.
PMID: 12793127

Denture marking is accepted as a means of identifying dentures and persons in geriatric institutions, or post-mortem during war, crimes, civil unrest, natural and mass disasters. Labelling on the acrylic resin component of the denture can easily be damaged or destroyed by fire but on cobalt-chromium components it would be more resistant. A copper vapour laser (CVL) can be used to label the cobalt-chromium components of dentures and metal restorations easily, and legibly, and miniaturised for the incorporation of more personal particulars necessary for the identification of the deceased person. The CVL beam is focussed by its optics and delivered to the material surface by the two-axis scanner mounted with mirrors. A personal computer controls the movement of the scanner and the firing of the CVL. The high peak power of the pulsed CVL is focussed to very high energy density producing plasma ablation of the alloy surface. Very fine markings of a few microns width can be produced enabling the storage of detailed information of the deceased person on a metal surface for the purpose of rapid identification.

Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Dentistry
The Heritability of Palatal Rugae Morphology Among Siblings*, †

Chong JA, Syed Mohamed AMF, Marizan Nor M, Pau A

J Forensic Sci, 2020 Nov;65(6):2000-2007.
PMID: 32692413 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14507

Although there is clinical applicability of the palatal rugae as an identification tool in forensic odontology, controversy exists whether the palatal rugae patterns are stable or variable. The greater the genetic component, the higher the probability that palatal rugae patterns are stable. The aim of this study was to compare the palatal rugae morphology between full siblings and the proportion of variability due to genetic component. This cross-sectional study was conducted on digital models of 162 siblings aged 15-30 years old. The palatal rugae patterns were assessed with Thomas and Kotze (1983) classification using Geomagic Studio software (3D Systems, Rock Hill, SC). The palatal rugae morphology between siblings showed significantly similar characteristics for total number of left rugae (p = 0.001), left primary rugae (p = 0.017), secondary rugae for right (p = 0.024) and left sides (p = 0.001), right straight rugae (p = 0.010), and right convergent rugae (p = 0.005) accounting for at least 6.25%-12.8% of the variability due to heredity. Despite the similarities found, the palatal rugae patterns showed significant differences between siblings of at least 46.9% (p = 0.001). Zero heritability was found in 9 of the 14 rugae patterns. Meanwhile, total number of rugae, primary, backward, and convergent rugae showed moderate heritability (h2 > 0.3) and total number of secondary rugae showed high heritability (h2 > 0.6). In conclusion, despite the individuality characteristics, an appreciable hereditary component is observed with significant similarities found between sibling pairs and the palatal rugae patterns were both environmentally and genetically influenced.

Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Dentistry
Racial variations in the extent of tooth root translucency in ageing individuals

Whittaker DK, Bakri MM

Arch Oral Biol, 1996 Jan;41(1):15-9.
PMID: 8833585

One hundred and ninety-eight single-rooted teeth from individuals aged 21-90 yr of Caucasian, Malay, Chinese Malay and Indian Malay origin were studied. Single or serial longitudinal sections of extracted teeth were cut following dye imbibition of patent dentinal tubules. The extent of sclerosis of apical dentinal tubules was assessed and correlated with the age of the individual. Correlation with age was higher in the Caucasian than the Malay races and within the Malaysian racial groups correlation with age was highest in the Malays and lowest in the Chinese. It is concluded that factors other than age may be important in the formation of sclerotic apical dentine in teeth of different racial origin. The effect of racial origin should be considered when using sclerosis as a means of age determination in forensic cases.

Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Dentistry

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