SMARTPHONE CAMERA AS THE ALTERNATIVE OF 3D SCANNER FOR BITEMARK ANALYSIS IN FORENSIC ODONTOLOGY: A REVIEW

Smartphone Camera for Bitemark Analysis in Forensic Odontology

Abstract

Bitemarks are patterned injuries caused by teeth in conjunction with other oral structures that are used as evidence in forensic investigations. Its characteristics vary from person to person, even in identical twins. By matching the existing bitemark with the suspect's bitemark, the unique dentition of each individual becomes the scientific basis for identifying bitemarks. Because bitemark proof on human skin and food is transient, it should be immediately recorded or duplicated to retrieve lasting proof, allowing for a longer time of examination, which 3D bitemark analysis can do. However, the currently available method with an intraoral scanner (IOS) necessitates the purchase of expensive specialized equipment that may not be readily available everywhere. The use of a smartphone camera on a monoscopic photogrammetry method could lead to a novel method of 3D bitemark