Reproducibility of Digital Bite Mark Overlays in Adults
Official title: Reproducibility and Repeatability of Digital Overlay Techniques in Bite Mark Morphological Analysis: An Observational Study Using 3D Dental Models
Run by Nantes University Hospital · NCT07552051 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests how consistently different people can create digital bite mark overlays from 3D dental scans in adults who need routine dental care.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Nantes University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Nantes, Nantes) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 2027 |
| Study ends | June 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 24, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07552051 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (18 years or older) requiring dental care that includes intraoral scanning and who can provide informed consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with conditions preventing intraoral scanning or those not undergoing scanning would not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This prospective methodological study evaluates the reproducibility and repeatability of a standardized digital overlay protocol used in forensic odontology for bite mark analysis. Thirty adult participants undergoing routine intraoral scanning will have their maxillary dentition scanned with a standard optical scanner. Digital models will be anonymized and overlays generated using CloudCompare and related software by four operators of varying experience at two time points to assess intra-operator and inter-operator consistency. The study focuses on methodological robustness rather than interpretation of biological traces, aiming to quantify agreement across operators and time. Primary outcomes are measures of repeatability and reproducibility, with secondary exploration of the impact of operator expertise and overlay metrics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the method could provide a more reliable, standardized approach to digital overlay analysis in forensic dentistry.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has raised concerns about bite mark analysis reliability; this study contributes by rigorously testing a digital overlay protocol with methodological focus, with mixed history in the field.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥18 years * Patients requiring dental care including intraoral optical scan * Able to understand the study and provide informed consent * Sufficient dentition allowing usable maxillary scan Exclusion Criteria: * Age \<18 years * Individuals under legal protection (guardianship or curatorship) * Oral conditions preventing intraoral scanning * Refusal to participate * Completely edentulous patients * Partially edentulous patients (\>8 missing maxillary teeth)
Where it's running
-
CHU Nantes-Department of Dentistry
Nantes, Nantes, France Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Lise Malfroy-Camine, MD, PhD
- Email: lise.malfroy@gmail.com
- Phone: +33 6 76 87 10 79
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.