340 Forensic dentistry
but not limited to, color photography, black-and-white photo graphy, ultra-
violet, infrared, fluorescent, and other appropriate alternate light modalities.
This subject is discussed in detail in Chapter 11. In some real-world cases,
the odontologist may not have the opportunity to see the bitemark much
less supervise or contribute to the case management. Often specialists in
photography (forensic imaging departments) in major metropolitan medical
examiners’ offices will provide the photographic expertise. Nevertheless, the
odontologist should be prepared to accomplish the necessary photography,
be familiar with the appropriate techniques, and have the necessary equip-
ment. Following the collection of the biologic evidence and photography,
the next step in case management of a bitemark is evaluating the necessity
and techniques for documenting the patterned injury in the third dimen-
sion. If tooth indentations or other three-dimensional features are present,
dusting with fingerprint powder will allow the odontologist to view a
pseudo-three-dimensional depiction of the mark and provide additional
enhancement for photographic documentation. Fingerprinting of the bite, or
“bite print,” is best done with carbon or magnetic as opposed to fluorescent
powders. Once the bite has been lightly dusted with the powder it is photo-
graphed, and then it can be lifted with the use of a gel lifter or standard
fingerprint tape. This not only preserves the evidence for later analysis and
presentation in court, but it will document the third dimension if present.
The three-dimensional indentations in skin from the bite may be helpful in
approximating the time of the bitemark in relation to the time of death of
the victim. Bites on decedents do not always leave indentations. However,
if present, they may be valuable in determining that the bite was inflicted
after death or very close to the time of death. The lifted print, along with the
subsequent impression of the bite, is rarely used for comparison to a suspect,
but is far more valuable to document the third dimension. Subsequent to
lifting the bitemark print with the gel lifter, the odontologist may then pro-
ceed to making impressions of the bitemark. If impressions are indicated,
they should be made utilizing standard impression techniques and the most
accurate impression materials; modern vinyl polysiloxane (VPS) impression
materials work well. Note that if the body has been refrigerated it will take
additional time for the impression material to set. There are faster setting
materials available, and these should be considered. An impression from
certain areas of the body may be made more difficult with gravity causing
lighter-bodied materials to flow. The use of a retaining ring around the impres-
sion material may help prevent this problem. Before the impression material
sets, mechanical retention devices for dental stone or plaster backing may be
placed. There are several acceptable techniques for this. Gauze, paper clips,
or other items can be partially inserted into the impression material, with
the protruding portions acting as retention for the backing or base. Once the
material is fully set, and the orientation recorded, the impression is removed