Use of orthodontic records in human identification

Rhonan Ferreira da SILVA, Patrícia CHAVES, Luiz Renato PARANHOS, Marcos Augusto LENZA, Eduardo DARUGE JÚNIOR

Objective: This study describes a forensic case of incinerated remains that were identified using information found in his orthodontic records. Method: Incinerated remains of a man were found inside a car. After forensic crime scene investigation and postmortem and radiographic exams in the Forensic Department, forensic experts found that the victim had a fixed orthodontic appliance, supernumerary teeth in all quadrants, partially erupted third molars and amalgam restorations in some surfaces of several teeth. As the individual?s soft tissues were substantially destroyed, identification using fingerprints was not the ideal choice. After orthodontic records were handed in by the family, his clinical chart, radiographs, intra- and extraoral photographs and impressions were analyzed, and these data were compared with previously collected information. Results and conclusions: Forensic dentistry examination revealed 20 concordant points in specimen examination and orthodontic records, which enabled the establishment of a positive correlation between the cadaver under examination and the missing person and eliminated the need for further analyses (DNA tests) to identify the victim.

Keywords: Orthodontic brackets. Friction. Treatment outcome.

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