A modern, nontraditional method not listed among the four primary methods for recovering impression evidence is:

• A. Plaster/dental-stone casting
• B. Electrostatic lifting
• C. 3D laser scanning
• D. Gelatin/adhesive lifters

Answer: (C)

Recovering impression evidence relies on methods that produce a durable, physical record of the ridges and contours. The four traditional primary approaches are plaster or dental-stone casting to create a three-dimensional replica, electrostatic lifting to lift impressions from nonporous surfaces, and gelatin or adhesive lifters to sample impressions from various substrates. These techniques yield tangible representations that can be examined in the lab.

A modern nontraditional method like 3D laser scanning documents the impression digitally by capturing precise surface coordinates and creating a digital model. While it preserves the detail and allows easy sharing and measurement, it does not produce a physical cast or lift the impression from the surface. For that reason, it sits outside the four traditional primary methods.