From Selfies to Identification: The forensic potential of dental and facial features in Photographic images.

Abstract

The application of smile and selfie photography in forensic odontology has emerged as a promising approach for human identification, especially when conventional dental records are unavailable or compromised. This review explores the evolution, methods, advantages, and limitations of using smile and selfie photographs as forensic tools. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, focusing on studies published from 2008 to 2025 with terms such as “Smile Photography,” “Forensic Selfie,” and “Dental Identification.” The selected articles were analyzed for methodologies, technological tools, and real-world applications. Techniques such as direct dental trait comparison, incisal outline analysis, and photograph superimposition—augmented by tools such as GLID and AutoIDD—demonstrated effective results. Several case reports illustrate the successful application of these methods in scenarios involving decomposed bodies, mass disasters, and missing persons. Despite limitations such as image distortion and time lag between photo capture and death, smile photograph analysis proves to be a low-cost, non-invasive, and accessible method. The integration of digital imaging and AI may further enhance its forensic utility. This review affirms the growing potential of smile photography as a supplementary technique in human identification.