Resumo

OLIVEIRA, Dessana Carla A. de et al. Evaluation of bite marks made by dental prostheses in foods. Arq. Odontol. [online]. 2010, vol.46, n.1, pp. 38-42. ISSN 1516-0939.

The study of bite marks in foods is an important source of the Forensic Dentistry, given that through its use it is possible to identify or exclude criminal suspects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of identifying criminals through bite marks in foods made by dental prostheses. The sample consisted of 10 (ten) dental prostheses pairs, manufactured in a laboratory and set in a joint occlusion device. After having numbered these prostheses and the foods, a random drawing was done. Next, the bites in the foods were taken (four chocolates, four cheeses, and two bananas); the researchers were blinded to these actions. Plaster models of the prostheses and the bitten foods were manufactured, using alginate and plaster. After, the metric analysis technique was employed. In this stage, the mesio-distal diameter of each tooth was measured in both the food and prosthesis models, using a digital measuring device. Later, the bitten foods were directly compared to the prostheses models. Of the ten bitten foods, in 7 cases it was possible to identify the prosthesis responsible for the dental impression. However, in cheeses 01 and 02 and chocolate 03, it was impossible to identify the suspect, but it was possible to exclude 8, 5, and 8 suspects, respectively. According to the results, it could be proven that the identification of bite marks made by dental prosthesis users is possible, thus contributing to forensics reports carried out in Forensic Dentistry area.

Palavras-chave : Dental prosthesis; Forensic dentistry.