title: An unusual method of forensic human identification: use of selfie photographs.
abstract: As with other methods of identification, in forensic odontology, antemortem data are compared with postmortem findings. In the absence of dental documentation, photographs of the smile play an important role in this comparison. As yet, there are no reports of the use of the selfie photograph for identification purposes. Owing to advancements in technology, electronic devices, and social networks, this type of photograph has become increasingly common. This paper describes a case in which selfie photographs were used to identify a carbonized body, by using the smile line and image superimposition. This low-cost, rapid, and easy to analyze technique provides highly reliable results. Nevertheless, there are disadvantages, such as the limited number of teeth that are visible in a photograph, low image quality, possibility of morphological changes in the teeth after the antemortem image was taken, and difficulty of making comparisons depending on the orientation of the photo. In forensic odontology, new methods of identification must be sought to accompany technological evolution, particularly when no traditional methods of comparison, such as clinical record charts or radiographs, are available.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Legal Medicine, Civil Police of Minas Gerais, Brazil; Laboratory of Anthropology and Forensic Dentistry - OFLAB, Dental School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. Electronic address: geraldoelias@odontologialegal.com.
authors.forename: Geraldo Elias
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Miranda
authors.affiliation: Institute of Legal Medicine, Civil Police of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Electronic address: sguzella@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Sílvia Guzella de
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Freitas
authors.affiliation: Institute of Legal Medicine, Civil Police of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Electronic address: luvamaia@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Luiza Valéria de Abreu
authors.initials: LVA
authors.lastname: Maia
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Anthropology and Forensic Dentistry - OFLAB, Dental School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. Electronic address: rfmelani@usp.br.
authors.forename: Rodolfo Francisco Haltenhoff
authors.initials: RFH
authors.lastname: Melani
mesh_terms: D002056:Burns; D003817:Dentition; D005553:Forensic Dentistry; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008297:Male; D010781:Photography; D000068997:Smartphone; D012984:Software
keywords: Dental superimposition; Forensic odontology; Human identification; Smile photograph