Intelligent Materials for Labeling Dentures in Forensic Dental Identification—A Pilot Study

Abstract

(1) Background: the present study continues previous research on new marking techniques by using intelligent materials, NFC-tags (Near Field Communication tags) and Aerogel. They prevent the loss of information over time for cadavers of unknown identities in various stages of destruction or unknown living victims, as well as missing persons who have lost or are concealing their identity. (2) Methods: this study consisted of a technological and an experimental stage. In the technological stage, two different sizes were used: round (Ø 1 cm, 0.1 mm thickness, 0.1 g weight) and square (5/5/0.1 mm), both with a 140 byte memory and high-temperature resistance (at max. 200 °C), (by the classical producing technology). After loading the identification information on the NFC-tags, they were embedded (either alone or protected by Aerogel) in the sample dentures using a new “sandwich technique” method, before the polymerization process. In the experimental stage, the sample dentures with the new materials were exposed to various damaging environments such as liquid media (sea water, fresh water, alcohol 40%, and HCl 0.2%) in order to test the time resistance of the identification elements. The samples were monitored and tested over four years. (3) Results: the information stored on the NFC tags was retrieved unaltered at the end of the monitoring period, regardless of the damage caused by the liquid media to the sample denture material and will provide an innovative solution as compared to other labeling methods. (4) Conclusion: the use of intelligent materials for labeling acrylic dentures provides additional reliability by preserving the identification information over time.