title: Role of Orthodontics in Forensic Odontology- A Social Responsibility.
abstract: Orthodontics like any other specialty has much to offer law enforcement in the detection and solution of crime or in civil proceedings. Forensic odontology often requires an interdisciplinary approach towards dentistry for the purpose of proper diagnosis of cases. In cases where the forensic odontologist has to establish a person's identity, an orthodontist can be of great help at times. Teeth, with their anatomic/physiologic variations and therapy such as orthodontic treatment, restorations and prosthesis may record information that remains throughout life and beyond. The teeth may also be used as weapons for defense or offense and as such may leave information about the identity of the biter at the time of crime. Forensic odontology also plays an important role in the recognition of crime and abuse among people of all ages. Orthodontists like all other dental professionals can play a major role by maintaining proper dental records and thus providing important or vital information or clues to the legal authorities in order to help them in their search.
authors.affiliation: Principal and Head of Department, Department of Orthodontics, NIMS Dental College , Jaipur, Rajasthan, India .
authors.forename: Giridhar
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Reddy
authors.affiliation: Professor and Head of Department, Department of Orthodontics, Krishandevra Dental College , Banglore, India .
authors.forename: Vinay P
authors.initials: VP
authors.lastname: Reddy
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Department of Pedodontics & Preventive Dentistry, Govt. Dental College , Jaipur, Rajasthan, India .
authors.forename: Meenakshi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.affiliation: Post Graduate Student, Department of Orthodontics, NIMS Dental College , Jaipur, Rajasthan, India .
authors.forename: Monika
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Aggarwal
keywords: Bite marks; Cephalometric software; Forensic science; Orthodontic scars