NCJ Number
201544
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 48 Issue: 4 Dated: July 2003 Pages: 728-732
Date Published
July 2003
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This study examined methods of estimating mouth width and lip thickness from skeletal remains.
Abstract
Facial reconstruction used in forensic sciences has mainly been used for the identification of skeletal remains. However, estimates of mouth width and lip thickness traditionally used for facial reconstructions have relied on scant scientific evidence. Generally, “rules of thumb” have been used that were garnered from subjective interpretations and experience. In an effort to add to the scientific literature regarding facial reconstruction, the authors took caliper and photographic measurements of mouth width and interpupillary and interlimbus distances of 96 subjects and measured the lip thickness and teeth height of 95 subjects. Results revealed that the most accurate indicator of mouth width was the interlimbus distance, while the most accurate indicator of lip thickness was related to the height of teeth. No gender differences were noted. The authors suggest that standards for predicting lip thickness based on teeth height be developed for White Europeans and Asians from the Indian subcontinent. Tables, references