Forensic Implications of Orthodontic Records

Orthodontics has much to offer law enforcement in the detection and solution of crimes or in civil proceedings and for the identification of criminals, victims and unidentified decedents. By the nature of specialty, the orthodontists require to meticulously maintain the orthodontic records of their patients at the start, during and after the treatment. Additional records may be taken during treatment and in retention period. Several dentofacial characteristics like tooth morphology or palatal rugae pattern, are unique to each individual and can survive serious environmental insults over a long period of time which makes them a valuable asset for human identification. On the other hand, orthodontic study models, photographs and radiographs can prove to be valuable tools not only for personal identification but also for age assessment and medicolegal purposes.