The role of intraoral scanners and 3D printing in forensic odontology: a systematic review.

Forensic odontology has evolved significantly with the advent of digital technologies. Intraoral scanners (IOS) and 3D printing offer promising, non-invasive tools for documentation, analysis, and identification in forensic scenarios. This systematic review aims to evaluate the current applications, accuracy, and limitations of intraoral scanners and 3D printing in forensic odontology. A systematic search was conducted in databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for articles published between January 2000 and March 2025. Studies involving the use of IOS or 3D printing in forensic dental identification, age estimation, bite mark analysis, or postmortem documentation were included. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed using PRISMA guidelines and the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. A total of 8 studies met the inclusion criteria. Intraoral scanners demonstrated high accuracy in capturing antemortem dental data and were effective in replicating dental records for comparative identification. 3D-printed dental models showed strong utility in court-admissible evidence presentation, bite mark comparison, and stimulation of trauma cases. Combined use of IOS and 3D printing improved workflow efficiency and preserved fragile post-mortem findings. However, limitations included cost, scanning difficulties in decomposed tissues, and lack of standardized forensic protocols. Intraoral scanners and 3D printing are valuable adjuncts in forensic odontology, enhancing the precision, reproducibility, and visualization of dental evidence. While their potential is considerable, further validation studies and standard operating procedures are essential for broader forensic acceptance and legal integration.