Abstract
Forensic odontology has contributed significantly in forensic investigations and involves various branches of dentistry including orthodontics. The current communication presents evidence-based perspective highlighting synergistic union of different specialties for Forensic Facial Approximation (FFA). It brings forth commonality in principles of anthropology, forensic science, anthropometry, anatomy, paleontology, forensic odontology, with orthodontics, used in FFA. Various attributes and skills of orthodontists’ aid in dental and skull profiling and the corresponding sex, age, and ethnicity-based soft tissue assessments for facial soft tissue thickness (FSTT), may aid a life-like appearance. They can assist hard tissue profiling by their expertise in growth of skeletal and soft tissue, along with the evolutionary trends in occlusion, and diet formulations. Their knowledge in identifying teeth patterns, dental/skeletal jaw relationships, cranial/facial indices, vertical/horizontal facial proportions, can help prepare skull for orientation and reconstruction. The dental, photographic, and radiographic records maintained by orthodontists and general dentists are instrumental in data retrieval, used in various software, clinical, or research areas. These can provide normative values for comparative analysis or facial recreation. The orthodontists can also assist anthropologists and forensic specialists in the virtual reconstructions due to their ease in using latest digital technologies including three-dimensional (3D) facial scan, stereo-photogrammetry, 3D printing, automated soft-tissue landmarks, growth, and age predictions. Thus, the current study established the commonality in concepts of various forensic disciplines with orthodontics, which can strengthen both forensic on-field facial approximations and hard/soft tissue research to further enhance the accuracy of contemporary digital software used in FFA.
Highlights
Orthodontist in the Forensic facial approximation (FFA) team: Science behind the art of facial approximation? Various aspects taught in dental undergraduate curriculum makes dentists suitable to be part of the FFA team
Importance in FFA In airplane crashes or conditions where ante mortem data can be made available for comparative identification of deceased, the photographic and radiographic antemortem records play an important role in forensic facial reconstructions (Sarode et al 2017)
The assessment of growth and age changes routinely done by orthodontists can help FFA team determine the orientation of mandibular planes well as soft tissue thickness changes with age
Summary
Forensic facial approximation (FFA) is the art and science of reconstruction of a face to create a likeness to the face of the deceased, both for forensic and archeology purposes (Taylor 2000). It is a highly skilled procedure based on the sound scientific principles of osteology, physical anthropology, forensics, and art. The specialty deals with the study of the craniofacial skeleton, diagnosis and treatment of craniofacial abnormalities, maxillo-mandibular relationships, dental mal-positioning, and longitudinal aspects of changes in hard/soft tissue with aging.
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