A guide to Toothprints®, A free service for your child
At the office of D. Bartholomew G. Kreiner D.D.S., we embrace the latest dental services and technologies. Due to this approach, we can provide an array of unique offerings and capabilities to our valued patients in Bel Air and across northern Maryland.
One service that we hope you never have to use to its fullest is Toothprints®.
Dental imprints: Like fingerprints of your teeth
Each one of us has a unique dental or teeth “imprint.” These imprints account for the size, shape, and position of the teeth and the relationship between the upper and lower jaws. Even identical twins’ imprints differ. This means that Toothprints® impressions can be used to help find missing children. They can also be used to help law enforcement agencies to make a positive identification.
At our office, Dr. Kreiner provides Toothprints® to his pediatric patients free of charge. This is just one way we help parents, caregivers, and our community. We provide peace of mind when the “worst” happens.
The process and benefits
In a word, taking and making Toothprints® is “easy.” All that we do is ask your child to bite down on a non-toxic, softened wafer of an advanced thermoplastic. The bite characteristics mentioned above are then recorded in the material. Toothprints® are uniquely helpful by:
- Providing a safe, secure form of identification for your child
- Allowing for easy and quick access to a child’s unique identifiers, simply keep the Toothprints® disc in the re-useable bag that we give to you
- Providing a ready-made source of a DNA sample
- Assisting canine trackers in successfully following a scent trail (saliva is a powerful source of scent)
Again, we hope it never comes to this, your having to actually retrieve and use the Toothprints® disc. But there is always comfort in taking the steps to keep your child safe. Be sure to avoid opening the bag (to prevent contaminating the DNA and scent). Keep the bag in a safe spot that you’ll remember (and with a recent photo of your child).
Toothprints FAQs
What exactly is Toothprints, and how is it used to help identify a child?
Toothprints is a patented, non-invasive dental identification system that captures a child’s unique bite pattern, saliva scent, and DNA—all from a simple wax impression. Much like a fingerprint, a dental imprint is unique to every person. In the event a child goes missing, the Toothprints record can assist law enforcement by helping confirm identity through dental characteristics or by using DNA and scent to aid search dogs. It’s a proactive and comforting tool for parents to have on hand, just in case.
How is the Toothprints impression actually taken? Does it hurt?
Not at all. Taking a Toothprints impression is simple, painless, and quick. Your child bites down on a soft, warm wax wafer for just a few seconds. The resulting impression captures the shape of the teeth and the bite pattern. It’s a completely non-invasive process that does not require drills, X-rays, or needles. A firm bite is all that is needed. Most kids find the experience fun and easy.
What information is captured in the Toothprints wax wafer?
The wax impression holds three types of information: a unique dental imprint, saliva scent compounds, and trace DNA. This combination makes it an incredibly valuable forensic record. Unlike fingerprints, which aren’t routinely taken from children, the Toothprints record gives parents a concrete, physical sample to provide in case of emergency. Even if dental records or medical files are unavailable, this impression can be a powerful identification tool.
At what age should my child get a Toothprints impression?
Toothprints impressions are typically taken when a child is around 3-6 years old, once the primary teeth have fully erupted and they can bite down independently. However, it can be done at any point in childhood and even into adolescence. As your child grows and their bite changes, we may recommend updating the impression every few years to maintain an accurate, current record.
How often should Toothprints be updated, and why?
Just like kids outgrow shoes, they also outgrow their dental impressions. As your child’s teeth develop and change, especially with the transition from baby teeth to permanent ones, it’s important to refresh their Toothprints record every couple of years. An updated impression ensures that the dental pattern and DNA sample remain accurate and helpful if ever needed. Dr. Kreiner can provide guidance on an ideal update schedule based on your child’s development.
Where is my child’s Toothprints record stored? Do you keep it at the dental office?
No. One of the unique aspects of Toothprints is that you, the parent or guardian, keep the wax wafer. After the impression is made, it’s sealed in a tamper-evident envelope and handed over to you. It’s important to store it in a safe, cool, and dry place. Think of places such as a fireproof safe, emergency file, or lockbox where it can be accessed quickly if ever needed. Dr. Kreiner does not retain a copy, ensuring your child’s privacy and data security.
Is Toothprints required, or is it just an optional safety measure?
Toothprints is entirely optional, but many parents see it as a smart, low-cost way to boost their family’s emergency preparedness. Just as you might fingerprint a child or keep recent photos on file, a Toothprints record is a modern tool that adds another layer of protection. It’s not mandated by any agency, but for peace of mind, it can be invaluable.
We can take your child’s unique dental imprint during the next check-up. Call (410) 983-6775 with questions about this service and to schedule an appointment at our office in Bel Air, MD.
