Exploratory analysis of new craniometric measures for the investigation of biological sex using open-access statistical and machine-learning tools on a cone-beam computed tomography sample.

Investigation of the biological sex of human remains is a crucial aspect of physical anthropology. However, due to varying states of skeletal preservation, multiple approaches and structures of interest need to be explored. This research aims to investigate the potential use of distances between bifrontal breadth (FMB), infraorbital foramina distance (IOD), nasal breadth (NLB), inter-canine width (ICD), and distance between mental foramina (MFD) for combined sex prediction through traditional statistical methods and through open-access machine-learning tools. Ethical approval was obtained from the ethics committee, and out of 100 cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, 54 individuals were selected with all the points visible. Ten extra exams were chosen to test the predictors developed from the learning sample. Descriptive analysis of measurements, standard deviation, and standard error were obtained. T-student and Mann-Whitney tests were utilized to assess the sex differences within the variables. A logistic regression equation was developed and tested for the investigation of the biological sex as well as decision trees, random forest, and artificial neural networks machine-learning models. The results indicate a strong correlation between the measurements and the sex of individuals. When combined, the measurements were able to predict sex using a regression formula or machine learning based models which can be exported and added to software or webpages. Considering the methods, the estimations showed an accuracy rate superior to 80% for males and 82% for females. All skulls in the test sample were accurately predicted by both statistical and machine-learning models. This exploratory study successfully established a correlation between facial measurements and the sex of individuals, validating the prediction potential of machine learning, augmenting the investigative tools available to experts with a high differentiation potential.

Dry skull positioning device for extra-oral radiology and cone-beam CT.

Extra-oral radiographs of dry skulls on scientific or forensic context have head position as a critical procedure. The aims of this article are to present a multi-purposed head-positioning device, and to describe the new method of image acquirement using the device to adequately keep the head in a correct and safe position during radiological or tomographic exam. The design was created from an average-sized skull and then tested in 20 others with different morphologies, sizes, weights, and structural state of preservation. A series of digital and analog orthopantomographies followed by a cone-beam computer tomography were obtained to assure that the correct positioning standards and anatomical visualization were achievable. The developed device properly kept adult skulls in position for all extra-oral radiographic exams, providing to operators a secure and facilitated way to achieve the proper position standards. The device did not impair the visualization of the anatomical structures neither on radiographs nor in cone-beam computer tomography.

Facial soft-tissue thickness in children: A study of a CTBC Brazilian sample.

As an auxiliary method in the process of human identification, forensic facial approximation (FFA) is an important tool for identifying unknown human bodies whose remains do not present the necessary traceability to any antemortem data collection. Specific characteristics are necessary when addressing children aged between 6 and 10 years, who have little sexual differentiation and a mixed dentition. Due to the chronology of eruption of the permanent second molars in this population, it is not possible to measure facial soft-tissue thickness (FSTT) from specific landmarks such as supra and infra M2. The objective of this research was to report the method for measuring the average FSTT of 32 landmarks adapting the method for adults replacing the landmarks at the upper and lower second molars (Supra M2 and Infra M2) in children up to 10 years of age for a measurement using the deciduous second molars as reference. We found statistical differences for some points, considering the variables of age and sex, but with a maximum difference of 2 mm, which allows the use of a single FSTT table. The deciduous teeth can replace the reference of the thicknesses at the supra and infra M2 landmarks. In addition to the new FSTT data for children in Brazil, we concluded that the proposed adaptation to the deciduous M2 points can be applied to obtain soft-tissue data for 32 facial points.

Facial soft tissue thickness in forensic facial reconstruction: Impact of regional differences in Brazil.

Forensic facial reconstruction aims to assemble and provide the appearance of a face over a skull, in order to lead to recognition of that individual, making possible the application of primary identification methods. The scientific literature presents facial soft tissue thickness (FSTT) tables for reference from a range of different geographic regions. However, the consensus on its importance or on how to use specific population data related to FSTT is not unanimous. Brazil is formed by geographic regions with diverse populations, which are reflected in facial features. This paper aimed to measure and compare FSTT of distinct Brazilian samples to ascertain the need for specific data sets for different regions. A specific protocol for cone beam computed tomography was used to standardize measurement, and it was applied in a sample of 101 subjects. The FSTT measurements of a Brazilian population from the Midwest Region was compared to a previous sample from Southeast, which was collected using the same protocol. High compatibility was observed when comparing the averages of FSTT among samples of these two different geographic regions. Regarding age groups, notable differences on the medium and inferior face were observed in females. Minor variances found are unlikely to affect the practice of forensic facial reconstruction. Facial features, such as eyes, lips, nose, and skin may also be relevant in the differentiation of people from these two areas in Brazil. Therefore, concerning the Southeast and Midwest Brazilian regions, the need to apply different data sets is unnecessary.

Facial reconstruction: Validation of the Tedeschi-Oliveira method for estimating the pronasale point in Brazilians.

Forensic facial reconstruction aids in the process of human identification by facial recognition. The nose plays an important role in this process; however, its soft tissues wither away during cadaveric decomposition. There are few studies in the area of facial recognition of the Brazilian population, especially concerning Brazilian nasal prediction guides. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that the angle formed by the tangents drawn from the rhinion and prosthion points (nose tip) is equal to 90º, as proposed by the pioneer study by Tedeschi-Oliveira et al. (2016). It is important to highlight that this is the only method to date developed to predict the nasal tip in Brazilians, and has not yet been tested in other populations. Images of computed tomography scans of 228 individuals (171 females and 57 males) were screened according to the same criteria used by the authors of the primary study. The images were analyzed using the Horos® program, version 1.1.7 - 64 bit. The mean angle studied was about 90º, and any difference between this mean and the real angle measured did not significantly compromise the accuracy of the nose tip location. The findings tested in the present study corroborate the hypothesis investigated by Tedeschi-Oliveira et. al. Therefore, we suggest that the method be used in forensic practice to estimate nose tips in Brazilians.

Forensic Facial Approximation: Study of the Nose in Brazilian Subjects.

Forensic facial approximation is an auxiliary method for human identification and allows facial recognition. The midface, that includes the nose, is vital for the recognition of a familiar face. The purpose of this study was to set hard tissue parameters to estimate nasal width, to test the method to estimate nasal width of Brazilians, and to analyze the relationship between nasal profile and facial type. A total of 246 computed tomography scans (183 females and 63 males) of adults were analyzed in Horos. Bone tissue measurements and facial type classification were performed on the skull scan. Nasal profile morphology was accessed through the tool 3D surface rendering. There was a difference around 3 mm from real to predicted nose through the method to estimate nasal width in Brazilians. So, the method may be used in forensic practice. Straight nose was associated with long face type.

Age estimation: Cameriere's open apices methodology accuracy on a southeast Brazilian sample.

Age estimation plays an important role in clinical and forensic dentistry. Cameriere's 2007 open apices method for age estimation was applied in a sample of 612 digital panoramic orthopantomographs from Brazilian subadult individuals of known age and sex. The sample was composed of 290 males and 322 females individuals aged between four and 16 years of age from São Paulo metropolitan area who had undertaken radiographs for clinical purposes. Participant's ethnicity data was not available. An open code computer-aided drafting software (ImageJ) was used to measure the variables according to the author's published guidelines. Subjects' age was firstly estimated under the application of the European formula (2007) showing under-estimation (-1.24yr). On the other hand, the linear regression analysis modeled for this specific population was able to explain 91.2% of the chronological age variation with a standard error of 0.91yr. Residual analyses confirmed independent errors and a normal distribution. In conclusion, the present results support Cameriere's method for age estimation in Brazilian subadults to be a reliable method, although correlations may vary between specific groups and, hence, specific formulae may be useful for an accurate prediction.

Assessment of accuracy and recognition of three-dimensional computerized forensic craniofacial reconstruction.

Facial reconstruction is a technique that aims to reproduce the individual facial characteristics based on interpretation of the skull, with the objective of recognition leading to identification. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the accuracy and recognition level of three-dimensional (3D) computerized forensic craniofacial reconstruction (CCFR) performed in a blind test on open-source software using computed tomography (CT) data from live subjects. Four CCFRs were produced by one of the researchers, who was provided with information concerning the age, sex, and ethnic group of each subject. The CCFRs were produced using Blender® with 3D models obtained from the CT data and templates from the MakeHuman® program. The evaluation of accuracy was carried out in CloudCompare, by geometric comparison of the CCFR to the subject 3D face model (obtained from the CT data). A recognition level was performed using the Picasa® recognition tool with a frontal standardized photography, images of the subject CT face model and the CCFR. Soft-tissue depth and nose, ears and mouth were based on published data, observing Brazilian facial parameters. The results were presented from all the points that form the CCFR model, with an average for each comparison between 63% and 74% with a distance -2.5 ≤ x ≤ 2.5 mm from the skin surface. The average distances were 1.66 to 0.33 mm and greater distances were observed around the eyes, cheeks, mental and zygomatic regions. Two of the four CCFRs were correctly matched by the Picasa® tool. Free software programs are capable of producing 3D CCFRs with plausible levels of accuracy and recognition and therefore indicate their value for use in forensic applications.

Aprendizado baseado em problemas utilizando histórias em quadrinhos na Odontologia Forense / Aprendizaje basado en problemas utilizando cómics en Odontología Forense / Problem-based learning using comics in Forensic Dentistry

O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a percepção e aceitação dos discentes acerca da metodologia de aprendizado baseado em problemas (problem based learning-PBL) modificada para a modalidade online. Os estudantes da disciplina de Odontologia Forense foram inseridos em uma cena de crime simulada em formato de história em quadrinhos (HQ). Divididos em "equipes forenses", receberam como tarefa elaborar um laudo pericial desse local de crime com o auxílio de um tutor. Ao final do semestre, foi produzido um questionário pela plataforma Google Forms com perguntas acerca da metodologia utilizada, da disponibilização de materiais na plataforma virtual e do uso de um ambiente simulando a realidade forense. Utilizou-se questionário de modelo fechado e respostas baseadas na escala Likert. A amostra foi composta por 58 participantes, dos quais 50 (86,2%) concordaram ou concordaram totalmente que a metodologia foi estimulante e que proporcionou um aprendizadosólido e com propósito. Dentre os participantes, 49 (84,5%) concordaram ou concordaram totalmente que o uso do método PBL contribuiu para desenvolver a autonomia do aluno. Na percepção dos estudantes, a aplicação da metodologia PBL no ambiente virtual, por meio do recurso de HQ, contribuiu positivamente para o desenvolvimento da autonomia do aluno sobre o próprio aprendizado (AU).

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la percepción y aceptación de los estudiantes sobre la metodología de aprendizaje basada en problemas (problem based learning-PBL) modificada para la modalidad en línea. Estudiantes de Odontología Forense fueron insertados en una escena del crimen simulada en formato de cómic. Divididos en "equipos forenses", se les encomendó la tarea de elaborar un informe pericial sobre estaescena del crimen con la ayuda de un tutor. Al final del semestre, se elaboró un cuestionario utilizando la plataforma Google Forms con preguntas sobre la metodología utilizada, la disponibilidad de materiales en la plataforma virtual y el uso de un entorno que simula la realidad forense. Se utilizó un modelo de cuestionario cerrado y respuestas basadas en la escala de Likert. La muestra estuvo conformada por 58 participantes, de los cuales 50 (86,2%) estuvieron de acuerdo o totalmente de acuerdo en que la metodología fue estimulante y proporcionó un aprendizaje sólido y propositivo. Entre los participantes, 49 (84,5%) estuvieron de acuerdo o muy de acuerdo en que el uso del método PBL contribuyó al desarrollo de la autonomía de los estudiantes. En la percepción de los estudiantes, la aplicación de la metodología PBL en el entorno virtual, a través del recurso del cómic, contribuyó positivamente al desarrollo de la autonomía del estudiante sobre su propio aprendizaje (AU).

The objective of this study was to evaluate the students' perception and acceptance of problem-based learning methodology (PBL) modified for online application. Forensic Dentistry students were inserted into a simulated crime scene in comic book format. Divided into "forensic teams", they were assigned the task of preparing an expert report on this crime scene with the help of a tutor. At completion of the semester, a questionnaire was produced using the Google Forms platform with questions about the methodology used, availability of materials on the virtual platform and the use of an environment simulating forensic reality. A closed model questionnaire was used, and responses were based on the Likert scale. The sample consisted of 58 participants, of which 50 (86.2%) agreed or completely agreed that the methodology was stimulating and that it provided solid and purposeful learning. Among the participants, 49 (84.5%) agreed or strongly agreed that the use of PBL contributed to developing student autonomy. In the students' perception, the application of PBL methodology in the virtual environment, using the comic resource, contributed positively to the development of student's autonomy in their own learning (AU).

Utilização de escâneres intraorais na Odontologia Legal: uma revisão de literatura / The use of intraoral scanners in Forensic Odontology: a literature review

A incorporação do chamado fluxo digital já é uma realidade na odontologia clínica, e suas vantagens podem ser incorporadas à Odontologia Forense. Particularmente, os escâneres, ou scanners intraorais (SIOs) geram modelos tridimensionais digitais em forma de arquivo que podem ser armazenados, analisados e comparados utilizando aplicativos próprios. Trata-se de técnica que obtém registros com agilidade e precisão, onde os dados podem ser obtidos, se necessário, no próprio local do encontro, como por exemplo, nos acidentes coletivos. O objetivo deste estudo é revisar a literatura sobre as aplicações mais recentes dos SIOs e dos arquivos por eles gerados na Odontologia Forense. Onze trabalhos foram selecionados para revisão. Os estudos mostram que as técnicas existentes se beneficiam do uso dos SIOs e dos modelos digitais, e que medidas exatas e precisas podem ser feitas digitalmente. Algoritmos de comparação e inteligências artificiais podem ser de grande contribuição para o processo de identificação, diminuindo a quantidade de suspeitos a serem comparados com uma determinada amostra e identificando restaurações metálicas. A técnica digital permite a diferenciação de gêmeos monozigóticos por análise das rugosidades palatinas. A identificação humana baseada apenas na análise física ou digital de marcas de mordida não é recomendada, pois é sujeita a viés do examinador

The digital workflow is already ubiquitous in the clinical dental practice, and its advantages can be incorporated to the forensic odontology. Intraoral scanners generate digital casts that can be stored, analyzed and compared using the proper software. It's a technique that swiftly and precisely registers the object of interest, and can be used on-site, if needed, in mass disasters, for example. The goal of this article is to review the most recent applications of the intraoral scanners and the digital files generated by them in the forensic odontology practice. Eleven articles were selected for revision. The studies demonstrate that the existing identification techniques can benefit from the use of intraoral scanners and digital casts, and measures can be taken digitally with precision and accuracy. Automated comparison algorithms and artificial intelligence models can be of great contribution to the identification process, decreasing the number of suspects that could match a sample and identifying metallic restorations. Digital analysis of palatal rugae was used successfully to identify monozygotic twins. Human identification relying solely on bitemark analysis, even with digital techniques, is not recommended, due to examiner bias

Forensic Facial Reconstruction: Relationship Between the Alar Cartilage and Piriform Aperture.

During forensic facial reconstruction, facial features may be predicted based on the parameters of the skull. This study evaluated the relationships between alar cartilage and piriform aperture and nose morphology and facial typology. Ninety-six cone beam computed tomography images of Brazilian subjects (49 males and 47 females) were used in this study. OsiriX software was used to perform the following measurements: nasal width, distance between alar base insertion points, lower width of the piriform aperture, and upper width of the piriform aperture. Nasal width was associated with the lower width of the piriform aperture, sex, skeletal vertical pattern of the face, and age. The current study contributes to the improvement of forensic facial guides by identifying the relationships between the alar cartilages and characteristics of the biological profile of members of a population that has been little studied thus far.

Use of an Alternate Light Source to Detect Tooth and Bone.

The aim of this study was to identify the combination of wavelength and filter that best detects tooth and bone, and to determine which biological materials (enamel, dental root or bone) have highest fluorescence intensity when exposed to an alternate light source (ALS). Tooth and bone samples were lighted with ALS and photographed. Adobe Photoshop™ and ImageJ™ softwares were used for image analysis. Data obtained by measuring the photograph pixels were subjected to analysis of variance. The mean values of significant effects were compared by the Tukey test. In all tests, the significance level was set at p≤0.05 and the values calculated by the SAS system. The results showed that the best combination for detecting tooth and bone is an illumination wavelength of 455 nm with an orange filter. The fluorescence of dental root is greater than that of enamel, which in turn is greater than that of bone. The biological material had markedly higher fluorescence than the inert material. This knowledge can help the forensic expert to screen and detect biological materials, for example in situations where there are fragmented teeth and small bones, both at the scene and in the laboratory.

Differentiation between palatal rugae patterns of twins by means of the Briñón method and an improved technique

Palatal rugae patterns are anatomic structures considered unique to each person. Monozygotic twins present similarities, however, Rugoscopy in particular, may contribute to their individualization for forensic purposes. The aims of this study were: to study the palatal rugae classifications of Briñón; to propose improvements to facilitate use of this method, if pertinent; and to characterize palatal rugae in a sample of Brazilian monozygotic twins and singletons. Precise reproducibility of the two methods of Briñón, from 1982 and 2011, was prevented by poor intra-examiner agreement (70% and 13% respectively). Our proposed improvements to these methods, although preliminary, were associated with better results. The most common palatal rugae patterns were types A, M, and Q. Palatal rugae were confirmed to be unique to each individual, even in monozygotic twins. Furthermore, twins did not exhibit any special patterns that might facilitate their differentiation from singletons.

Comparison Among Manual Facial Approximations Conducted by Two Methodological Approaches of Face Prediction.

This study verified the difference between two methods of forensic facial approximation (FFA) regarding recognition and resemblance rates. Three-dimensional models of skulls were obtained from computerized tomography (CT) scans of two subjects (targets). Two manual FFAs were performed for each target, by applying two different guidelines for the facial structures (what we called "American method" (AM) and "Combined method" (CM)). Unfamiliar assessors evaluated the sculptures by recognition and resemblance tests. The AM was that which allowed more correct responses of recognition and higher resemblance's scores for the male target (p < 0.001). Regarding guidelines for modeling characteristics of the face, the ones that are practical and easily performed for sculptures, such as the length of the anterior nasal spine multiplied by 3 for nose prediction, may offer better results in terms of resemblance.

Guidelines for reproducing geometrical aspects of intra-oral radiographs images on cone-beam computed tomography.

Human identification requires comparison of individual traits of a person, depending on the availability and reproduction of antemortem (AM) records. If there is no presumed identity or AM exams are not available for comparison, the production of postmortem (PM) records is impaired. The purpose of this research is to describe and test standards to enable the comparison of antemortem periapical radiographs to images extracted from the manipulation of postmortem CBCT exams in multiple identification simulations in a randomized blind study. In a simulation, 20 CBCT images from dry skulls were used as PM records and 3 periapical radiographs (total of 60) that were randomized and blinded from the first examiner. In each case, an intentional incidence error of 10° was added in four different directions. Three points were selected in the AM radiograph, and the angle, linear measurements and proportion between these distances were collected. The AM data were used to mathematically find similar image geometry on a CBCT maximum intensity projection. Possible identification by superimposition was achieved in all cases, and statistical analysis proved the success in the reproduction of angular and length proportion using CBCT incidence manipulation. Significant reproducibility was also observed on intra- and inter-observer tests. In conclusion, the images extracted from CBCT could be compared to any periapical radiographs by superimposition, providing acceptable evidence to establish human identification. The application of this protocol is suitable for forensic practices with the high level of reproducibility and could be used as PM record when no AM records are available at the time of the exam.

Avaliação da acurácia nas mensurações lineares craniofaciais por meio do programa Horos / Assessment of the accuracy of craniofacial linear measurements on Horos software

Introdução: Na antropometria craniofacial avaliam-se quantitativamente as estruturas anatômicas faciais, e as tomografias computadorizadas de feixe cônico (TCFC) têm contribuído significativamente para refinar essa abordagem. A análise antropológica e morfológica do crânio para estimativa de idade, ou a avaliação das espessuras de tecidos moles faciais para aproximação facial forense, podem ser beneficiadas com o avanço das ferramentas de reconstrução e visualização de imagens de TCFC em softwares open source como o HorosTM. Objetivo: Avaliar a confiabilidade e a precisão de medidas lineares realizadas em TCFC em Reconstrução Multiplanar (MPR), no modo de visualização de MIP, nas espessuras de corte mínima (Emín) e máxima (Emáx). Material e método: Foram selecionados 17 crânios pertencentes ao biobanco do Laboratório de Antropologia e Odontologia Forense da Universidade de São Paulo (OFLab-FOUSP) para a mensuração de 10 grandezas lineares, aferidas de três maneiras distintas: uma diretamente sobre o crânio (padrão-ouro) e duas no software (em Emín e Emáx). Para a análise estatística foi adotado o nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: O CCI (Coeficiente de Concordância Intra-classe) inter e intra-examinadores foi excelente. A consistência das medidas entre os métodos, nos grupos A (crânio-Emín) e B (crânio-Emáx) foi verificada pela análise de Bland-Altman. O grupo B apresentou maior precisão de medidas, porém, a diferença menor do que 1 mm encontrada no grupo A não compromete a análise craniométrica. Conclusão: Ambos os métodos são confiáveis para mensurações lineares

Introduction: In craniofacial anthropometry, facial anatomical structures are quantitatively evaluated, and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has significantly contributed to refine this approach. Anthropological and morphological analysis of the skull for age estimation or, assessment of facial soft tissue thickness for forensic facial approximation, can be benefited by advancement of CBCT image reconstruction and visualization tools at open-source software such as HorosTM. Objective: This study verified the reliability and accuracy of linear measurements performed in CBCT in Multiplanar Reconstruction (MPR), in MIP visualization mode, at minimum (STmin) and maximum (STmax) slab thicknesses. Material and Method: 17 skulls from biobank of the Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology and Dentistry of University of São Paulo (OFLab-FOUSP) were selected for measurement of 10 linear distances, measured in three different ways, one directly on the skull (gold standard) and two in software (in STmin and STmax). For statistical analysis, the significance level of 5% was adopted. Results: Inter- and intra-examiner ICC (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient) was excellent. The consistency of measurements between the methods in groups A (skull-STmin) and B (skull-STmax) was verified by Bland-Altman analysis. Group B showed greater measurement accuracy than group A. However, differences found in group A was smaller than 1 mm, and it does not compromise the craniometric analysis. Conclusion: Both methods are reliable for linear measurements

Forensic facial reconstruction: Nasal projection in Brazilian adults.

The nose has a marked cognitive influence on facial image; however, it loses its shape during cadaveric decomposition. The known methods of estimating nasal projection using Facial Reconstruction are lacking in practicality and reproducibility. We attempted to relate the points Rhinion, Pronasale and Prosthion by studying the angle formed by straight lines that connect them. Two examiners measured this angle with the help of analysis and image-processing software, Image J, directly from cephalometric radiographs. The sample consisted of 300 males, aged between 24 and 77 years, and 300 females, aged 24 to 69 years. The proposed angle ranged from 80° to 100° in both sexes and all ages. It was considered possible to use a 90° angle from projections of the Rhinion and Prosthion points in order to determine the Pronasale position, as well as to estimate the nasal projection of Brazilian adults.

Civil liability: characterization of the demand for lawsuits against dentists.

In light of the fact that dentists may be held civilly liable for their practice, it is important to understand the current situation of lawsuits filed against these professionals by studying current legal decisions and the literature. The objective of this study was to analyze the case law of the Court of Justice of São Paulo, Brazil, relative to the profile of patients and professionals, the most commonly involved specialties, the amounts litigated and the court decisions pertaining to civil liability lawsuits against dentists. In an inductive approach, a single researcher screened and collected civil liability rulings by accessing the Court's website, and following a statistical-descriptive procedure and an indirect observation technique. The most frequently involved specialty was prosthodontics. However, oral and maxillofacial surgery was related to a higher incidence of damages awarded to settle claims and to higher damage amounts. The dentist was found guilty in 44.32% of the cases researched. Pecuniary damages ranged between R$ 485.50 and R$ 12,530.00, and non-pecuniary damages ranged between R$ 2,500.00 and R$ 70,000.00. Most lawsuits were filed by women against male dentists. An increase in the relative number of lawsuits against companies versus individuals was observed.

Forensic facial approximation assessment: can application of different average facial tissue depth data facilitate recognition and establish acceptable level of resemblance?

Facial soft tissue thicknesses (FSTT) are important guidelines for modeling faces from skull. Amid so many FSTT data, Forensic artists have to make a subjective choice of a dataset that best meets their needs. This study investigated the performance of four FSTT datasets in the recognition and resemblance of Brazilian living individuals and the performance of assessors in recognizing people, according to sex and knowledge on Human Anatomy and Forensic Dentistry. Sixteen manual facial approximations (FAs) were constructed using three-dimensional (3D) prototypes of skulls (targets). The American method was chosen for the construction of the faces. One hundred and twenty participants evaluated all FAs by means of recognition and resemblance tests. This study showed higher proportions of recognition by FAs conducted with FSTT data from cadavers compared with those conducted with medical imaging data. Targets were also considered more similar to FAs conducted with FSTT data from cadavers. Nose and face shape, respectively, were considered the most similar regions to targets. The sex of assessors (male and female) and the knowledge on Human Anatomy and Forensic Dentistry did not play a determinant role to reach greater recognition rates. It was possible to conclude that FSTT data obtained from imaging may not facilitate recognition and establish acceptable level of resemblance. Grouping FSTT data by regions of the face, as proposed in this paper, may contribute to more accurate FAs.

An unusual method of forensic human identification: use of selfie photographs.

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.