É possível identificar indivíduos por meio de fotografias do sorriso? Uma revisão de literatura

Abstract

Human identification is essential in legal and forensic contexts, particularly when traditional methods such as fingerprint analysis and DNA profiling are not feasible due to advanced decomposition, carbonization, or skeletonization of the bodies. Forensic odontology stands out as an effective alternative, given that dental arches possess unique characteristics and are highly resistant. With the growing use of selfies and social media, the possibility of using smile photographs as a complementary identification method has emerged. This study aimed to review the literature on cases in which this technique was employed, evaluating its characteristics and its impact on human identification. The search for studies was conducted in databases such as PubMed, SciELO, and the Brazilian Journal of Legal Dentistry, resulting in 1,041 records. Title and abstract screening, followed by full-text reading, were performed based on predefined eligibility criteria, leading to the selection of 14 articles with a total of 21 reported cases. Antemortem (AM) photographs were primarily provided by family members or retrieved from social media platforms. Methods such as craniofacial image superimposition and incisal edge tracing using software were employed to compare AM and postmortem images. Despite limitations such as image quality and aesthetic dental modifications, all analyzed cases demonstrated positive identification outcomes. The analysis of smiles through photographic records proves to be a viable, low-cost, and relevant tool in human identification, especially in situations where other methods are not applicable.