The images obtained were printed on transparent sheet. The outlines of the biting edges were reproduced. Then a gradual selection of biting edges of the teeth was done using magic wand selection tool resident in the photoshop software version 7.0. The images were opened in photoshop software version 7.0 already installed in the laptop. In the computer assisted method first the study models were scanned with the biting edges of the dental model over the glass plate of the scanner.
In this study, an attempt is made to compare the bite mark overlays generated by three methods, i.e., manual, photocopying, and computer assisted methods of overlay generation to find the most reliable method out of the three methods used. There are many different ways of analysis of bite marks on food substances like impression making and hand tracing from dental study casts, photography method, photocopying, and computer assisted methods of overlay generation.
It must be again emphasized that the bite marks obtained on food items tend to be more accurate and reproducible than on skin of a person and many studies have proved the fact. In fact, human teeth patterns are individual and careful expert analysis of a bite is able to relate the mark to a suspect. Bite marks reveal features such as gaps between the teeth, ridges on the biting surfaces of the teeth, rough fillings, as well as missing, broken, chipped, or distorted teeth. Bite marks tend to have a double horseshoe pattern showing the six central teeth of the upper jaw and the corresponding six teeth in the lower jaw.īite marks made in food are usually well defined but the bite marks made in flesh are usually less defined. Solid food has an advantage in such cases.
Bite marks can occur on the skin of a victim or on other objects, including foods such as cheese, chocolate, apples, or chewing gums. Bite marks may be found at the scene of a crime and their analysis has been used for many years as an aid in forensic investigation.