Introduction

Forensic Odontology itself is a less explored path in India and the technique of Smile Photograph analysis is at its blooming stage. The smile Photograph that show specific characteristic of each individual has found wide acceptance.

Methodology

The methods are as stated below:

1. Scoring Method

In scoring method each tooth is outlined and then matched with the tooth on deceased and scored 0 to 2, 0 for non-valuable portion, 1 for compatibility and 2 for significant correspondence.

Demerit is that attributing score would involve a degree of subjectivity i.e. vary from one individual to other.

2. Smile Line Method

The smile line is traced on AM and PM photographs, highlighting the incisal outline from right canine to left canine of maxillary teeth. The two outlines are superimposed with layers of gradual transparency 0% 25% 75% 100%, if they coincide there are chances they belong to same individual.

However it is an indefinite method and not accurate and cannot be solely used for identification (Miranda et al., 2016)

3. Template Method

Template method is usually used by orthodontists for smile correction, however for Odontologist it may be used as reference template and the biometric measurements of each teeth can be recorded and studied.

Demerit is understanding the sequence is tedious and it requires frontal view AM photographs. (Silva et al., 2012)

4. Super Imposition Technique

Here we superimpose the ante mortem and post mortem images gradually by layering technique increasing the transparency. However slight change in magnification of either AM or PM Photograph may lead to discrepancy.

But the discrepancies in each method can be solved by combined aid of multiple techniques.

The advantage is that these methods are highly reliable, less expensive and consume less time. (Miranda et al., 2016)