title: Some laboratory studies on the accuracy of bite mark comparison.
abstract: Bite marks in wax and in pig skin were compared with study models of the subject making the bite. Photographs, impressions and measurements of the bites were used. Bites in wax could be readily identified especially if measurements were made on photographs but identification from bites in non-vital pig skin was more unreliable. It is suggested that similar difficulties may be encountered in the assessment of bites in human skin. Expert witnesses involved in presenting evidence on bite marks in a court of law should be aware of the difficulties of making valid comparisons even under standardized laboratory conditions. Further studies to improve and substantiate the reliability of the technique are clearly required.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001733:Bites and Stings; D001734:Bites, Human; D003766:Dental Occlusion; D005553:Forensic Dentistry; D006801:Humans; D007574:Jaw Relation Record; D003765:Models, Dental; D012867:Skin; D014885:Waxes
chemical_list: D014885:Waxes