THE USE OF DENTAL ARCHES IN FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY: REVIEW OF TECHNIQUES AND APPLICATIONS

Abstract

Forensic anthropology utilizes scientific methods to analyze human remains, enabling the identification of characteristics such as sex, age, ancestry, and stature. Human identification is a cornerstone of Forensic Odontology, which employs specific techniques to recognize individuals, especially in cases of decomposed, charred, or disfigured bodies where primary methods like fingerprinting and DNA may be unfeasible. The dental arch, due to the resistance of enamel, becomes a valuable tool in these scenarios. This study aims to demonstrate, through an integrative literature review, the use of the dental arch in forensic anthropology. Forensic Odontology is essential in the judicial system, playing a role in identification in disasters and complex cases. Various techniques are employed, including the comparison of dental records, bite mark analysis, palatal rugoscopy, cheiloscopy, comparative radiographs, dental DNA analysis, and smile photographs. The choice of method depends on the condition of the body and the availability of antemortem records. The analysis of the dental arch stands out for its accessibility, low cost, and precision in many situations. The analysis of the dental arch represents a fundamental and versatile tool in forensic anthropology for human identification. Its diverse techniques complement other methods, especially in contexts where the preservation of other tissues is compromised or antemortem records are scarce, significantly contributing to justice and the resolution of forensic cases.