2D barcodes: a novel and simple method for denture identification.

Several methods of denture marking have been described in the literature. However, most of them are expensive, time-consuming, and do not permit the incorporation of large amounts of information. We propose a novel and simple method incorporating 2D codes which has several advantages over the existing methods. A 2D code was generated in the dental office and inserted into a maxillary denture. The code was then read using software downloaded into a mobile phone giving access to the website containing details about the patient. The denture was also subjected to durability tests, which did not hamper the efficacy of the 2D code. 2D coding for dentures is a simple, less expensive method with the potential of storing a large amount of information that can be accessed on-site by the forensic investigator, thus allowing quick identification of the denture wearer.

Radio frequency identification (RFID) of dentures in long-term care facilities.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The difficulty of identifying the ownership of lost dentures when found is a common and expensive problem in long term care facilities (LTCFs) and hospitals. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability of using radiofrequency identification (RFID) in the identification of dentures for LTCF residents after 3 and 6 months. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-eight residents of 2 LTCFs in Switzerland agreed to participate after providing informed consent. The tag was programmed with the family and first names of the participants and then inserted in the dentures. After placement of the tag, the information was read. A second and third assessment to review the functioning of the tag occurred at 3 and 6 months, and defective tags (if present) were reported and replaced. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics. RESULTS: At the 3-month assessment of 34 residents (63 tags) 1 tag was unreadable and 62 tags (98.2%) were operational. At 6 months, the tags of 27 of the enrolled residents (50 tags) were available for review. No examined tag was defective at this time period. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of this study (number of patients, 6-month time span) RFID appears to be a reliable method of tracking and identifying dentures, with only 1 of 65 devices being unreadable at 3 months and 100% of 50 initially placed tags being readable at the end of the trial.

Perceptions and preferences on denture marking in an Indian sample.

AIM: Denture marking is useful in institutional settings and post-mortem identification. Numerous markers have been developed, and their advantages and limitations assessed previously; however, patient perception to denture marking is paramount. We evaluated this in an Indian sample and also gauged their preference for different markers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred and one edentulous patients seeking prosthodontic treatment in our institution were shown four denture markers (stainless steel matrix band, paper strip with name inscribed on it, patient photograph and optically readable laminated bar code) and asked whether they wanted similar markers in their dentures; patients were also asked to rank the markers based on preference and indicate their satisfaction with it. RESULTS: Approximately two-thirds of patients (65/101) were uninterested in getting their dentures marked; among the 36 who agreed, 10 preferred the stainless steel band followed by photographs (9), paper strip (6) and bar code (2); nine gave multiple responses and were excluded from analyses. Sixteen patients expressed dissatisfaction with the photographic marker and bar code, while this number reduced for the stainless steel band (13) and paper strip (10). CONCLUSIONS: The results are in contrast to European studies wherein the majority of patients agreed to denture marking, indicating patient background (e.g. education level) may affect perception to denture marking; amongst those who agreed to marking, most preferred, or were satisfied with, the stainless steel and paper strip markers over photographic marker and a complex method such as bar-coding, implying that simple methods harbouring basic patient information may suffice in the Indian context.

Usefulness of patient photograph as a marker for identifying denture-wearers in India.

AIM: Denture marking has been recommended for identifying the edentulous, both in day-to-day recognition when dentures are misplaced as well as in forensic scenarios. The purpose of this study was to test the use of patient photographs as a denture marker and to compare it with conventional marking systems as well as discussing its suitability in the Indian context. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A photograph of the patient was taken and compared with a metal matrix band and optically readable laminated bar code in terms of preparation, ease of incorporation into the denture, readability following denture fabrication and changes on exposure to high temperatures (200-1300 °C). RESULTS: The photograph and metal matrix band were easy to prepare and incorporate, but the bar code was less so; no differences, however, were appreciable with regard to readability of the three markers. Fire resistance of the photographic marker (280 °C) and bar code (200 °C) was considerably lower to that of the metal marker (1050 °C). CONCLUSIONS: The major advantage of the photographic marker is that identity is easily ascertained by lay persons with the unassisted eye (bar codes require a hand-held reading device); photographic markers are also relevant in the Indian context where one-third of the population is illiterate and diverse scripts are used across the country, making interpretation of written data challenging at times. This allows for photographic markers' routine use in residential and hospital set-ups. Although the photographic marker has low fire resistance, it may be useful in forensic contexts since dentures retained in the mouth are well-protected by the oro-facial tissues and may survive incineration.

Denture marking--patient preference of various methods.

Dental forensic organizations world wide have recommended that dental prostheses should be labeled with at least the patient's (wearer's) name and preferably with further unique identifiers such as social security number. A range of methods are available and the purpose of this study was to determine, via the means of a visual questionnaire, which are the most preferable to those patients who wear complete dentures. One hundred edentulous patients attending the Manchester Dental Hospital were shown a range of denture labeling methods and asked to rank these according to their preference. The most preferred method was that of an embedded radio frequency identification microchip (38% rated this as first) and the second was an inclusion technique using onion paper (24% rated this as first). The least preferred method was the use of a groove cut into the denture flange with 71% of patients rating this as the poorest in terms of esthetics. The study demonstrates that the method of denture labeling is important to patients and to ensure that denture labeling is performed routinely esthetic preferences must be considered.

Incorporation of microchips to facilitate denture identification by radio frequency tagging.

This article describes a technique for placing a radio-based tagging transponder into a complete denture. The data stored in the transponder can be detected with a reading device, thus enabling the denture wearer to be identified.

Copper vapour laser ID labelling on metal dentures and restorations.

Denture marking is accepted as a means of identifying dentures and persons in geriatric institutions, or post-mortem during war, crimes, civil unrest, natural and mass disasters. Labelling on the acrylic resin component of the denture can easily be damaged or destroyed by fire but on cobalt-chromium components it would be more resistant. A copper vapour laser (CVL) can be used to label the cobalt-chromium components of dentures and metal restorations easily, and legibly, and miniaturised for the incorporation of more personal particulars necessary for the identification of the deceased person. The CVL beam is focussed by its optics and delivered to the material surface by the two-axis scanner mounted with mirrors. A personal computer controls the movement of the scanner and the firing of the CVL. The high peak power of the pulsed CVL is focussed to very high energy density producing plasma ablation of the alloy surface. Very fine markings of a few microns width can be produced enabling the storage of detailed information of the deceased person on a metal surface for the purpose of rapid identification.

Denture marking. Clinical and technical aspects.

The frequency of edentulousness has decreased in recent years due to the improvement in oral health. However, there is still a need to address the issue of denture marking for social and legal reasons because the oral status of populations varies in different countries and the wearing of complete dentures will be a fact for the foreseeable future. Given that only one marked denture can tell us the identity of a decreased when all other methods fail makes it a worthwhile exercise. The marking of dentures is not regulated by law in Sweden, but it is recommended by the Swedish Board of Health and Welfare (SOSFS[M]1986), that all patients should be offered the opportunity to have their dentures marked, which they may refuse. In Sweden, the dental laboratories report that they mark all dentures. The Swedish ID-Band has become the international standard and FDI accepted denture marking system, but recent research has indicated that this metal band is not resistant to very high temperatures. Since there is no international consensus regarding the matter we suggest that new materials should be explored.

In search of a suitable denture marker.

The ID-Band (SDI AB, Sweden) has become the standard, internationally and FDI accepted denture marking system. In Australia however the strip is not easily obtainable and is expensive. Two other materials have been trialled as possible alternatives: (1) Titanium foil (9 microns) and (2) Ho Band (matrix) (3 microns) (Lorvic Corp, USA). All three bands were tested for tensile strength and elongation at temperatures: RT, 700 degrees and 900 degrees C. As the ID- and Ho Bands are both 18-8 stainless steel their performance was similar. The 18-8 was stronger, had a higher percentage break point and a higher elongation. The latter meant that it was softer and could be more easily inscribed and was therefore more suitable for denture marking. T1 is becoming increasingly used in dentistry but in spite of its abundance it is not likely to replace stainless steel for denture marking at present. On the other hand the Ho Band is cheaper, more readily available and it could replace ID-Band for use in Australia. An alternative paper based marking system is also presented together with the rationale for its use.

Denture marking. A study of temperature resistance of different metal bands for ID-marking.

Dentures are not always marked. In Sweden legislation now exists to enforce it. This study was undertaken to establish the frequency of marked dentures, the incidence of edentulousness and a temperature resistance test of three possible marking bands. Patients from two long-term units were included in the study (n = 58). Observation of the dental status included absence of teeth, some teeth present and influence of dentures, complete, partial, upper or lower. Marking of the dentures was also recorded. Three different types of steel bands (Jasch; Remanit; ID-band) were exposed to temperature levels of 1100, 1200 and 1300 degrees C. Of a total of 58 patients 64% were edentulous and only 17 of the patients could be identified by means of the denture markings. None of the metal bands had readable markings at 1200 and 1300 degrees C, but at 1100 degrees C the ID-band and the Jasch band were readable, but not the Remanit band.

Clear acrylic resin T-bar used in denture identification.

A preformed, T-shaped, clear acrylic resin bar can be utilized as a vehicle for identification of an existing removable dental prosthesis. A printed label attached to the T-bar makes a convenient vehicle for embedding the label in the prosthesis with light-cured acrylic resin. The resultant finished surface of the T-bar assembly provides a protective cover and an exceptionally clear window for viewing the label. The procedure is time-effective and relatively easy.

Engraved fixed restorations to facilitate identification in forensic dentistry.

A procedure for making accurate identification markings on metal crowns and fixed partial dentures with minimal cost is described. The markings can aid in identification of unknown bodies within a short period of time if this procedure becomes routine and is recognized by forensic odontologists.