Forensic Dentistry, Second Edition

74 Forensic dentistry

of development. As the person becomes older, age-related changes can be

seen, such as osteophyte formation, calcification of the cartilaginous margins

of the ribs, and wearing changes of the symphysis pubis. These changes, along

with fusion of the cranial sutures, can be used to approximate age.

Ancestry becomes more and more complex as our society becomes more

global and less isolated. Traditionally, anthropologists acknowledged three

races: Caucasoid, Mongoloid, and Negroid. However, with intermingling

of the races, distinct separations are often difficult. For instance, Hispanics

often show any combination of the three race categories. Ancestry determi-

nations often combine the classic features of each race, and computer pro-

grams are used to determine a likely lineage. Classically, Negroid crania show

wide nasal orifices, round/oval orbits, and alveolar prognathism; Caucasoid

crania have narrow nasal orifices, parabolic palates, and rectangular orbits;

and Mongoloid crania often demonstrate elliptical palates, complex cranial

sutures, and square orbits (see Chapter 8).

When a cranium is present, facial reconstruction can be performed in

addition to anthropologic analysis. The forensic artist is given the anthro-

pologic data of approximate age, sex, ancestry, and physical attributes (e.g.,

small, athletic). The morphologic properties of the cranium are combined

with the artist’s presumptive rendition of the soft tissue features, includ-

ing eye color and hairstyle, to generate either a sketch or model of how the

deceased looked in life (Figure 5.20). A photo of the resulting face can then be

distributed to the media or local community in an attempt to find a witness

who can identify the individual. Unfortunately, the resulting image does not

always accurately approximate the deceased and may end up misdirecting

the investigation.

AB

Figure 5.20 Facial reconstruction sketch (a) and model (B) of two different
unidentified cases.