AI Applications In Orthodontics: A Review Of Current Technologies

In this era of digital revolution, artificial intelligence finds application in every field. The modernization of equipment and advancement of strategies is attributed largely to artificial intelligence and machine learning. Today, all up-to-date clinics are laced with the latest AI-powered systems that not only speed up the treatment process but also make it easier. In this article, we will review the current AI technologies being implemented in the field of orthodontics.

Implementation Of AI Technologies In Orthodontics

There are multiple facets of orthodontic practice that benefit from the incorporation of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Let’s have a look at how AI fares in orthodontic clinics.

Fabrication Of Orthodontic Products/Appliances

As an orthodontist, you are required to be skillful in wire bending and fabricating different orthodontic appliances. The field has come a long way. From conventional (inset and offset) bends to prefabricated wires, orthodontics has progressed a lot. The good thing is that it continues to evolve and with digitalization, we are seeing blazing speeds in appliance fabrication.

AI in orthodontics has opened up new domains of innovations named “Additive manufacturing”. In additive manufacturing, Computer-aided digital (intraoral) scanners conjoin with AI to fabricate orthodontic appliances. The products are accurate and efficient, thanks to the highly efficient 3D printers.

Moreover, the conjunction of these fields allows the fabrication of biocompatible vital tissues via a process known as bio-printing. By 3D printing patient templates of the orofacial region, orthognathic surgeons can correct jaw defects with better precision.

Since 2021, we have seen an influx of AI-based robotic assistants in healthcare. Surgical robots now assist oral surgeons in implant placement. There is an increasing use of robotics in orthodontics as well. Studies show that AI robots (nano-robots) are doing a great job in activities like arch wire bending and preparing customized appliances (such as clear aligners), etc. Rehabilitative robots and diagnostic robots are also playing a positive role in orthodontic clinics.

Tool For Orthodontists

In addition to quick and reliable appliance fabrication, AI is responsible for another paradigm shift in the vast field of orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment requires analyses of scores of information, (most of which is imaging data) and extensive consultations. Thus, a lot of time is spent. So, AI has stepped in to speed up the process. We have seen numerous AI-based programs that enhance orthodontics in the recent past.

Artificial intelligence maximizes output by serving as a tool in all aspects of corrective dentistry i.e., diagnosis, treatment planning, and treatment execution.

Diagnosis

The multi-faceted field of smile correction demands extensive analysis of radiographs. Cephalometric X-rays have conventionally been used to identify certain landmarks and bone angles (which help in diagnosis and planning). Most orthodontists correlate the landmarks with clinical features and growth levels to devise the best-suited treatment plan.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms aptly identify the important landmarks necessary for diagnosis. Worldwide, dentists are using smartphone-based AI apps to get accurate and instant cephalometric reports. Thus, AI is saving precious diagnostic time.

Based on the cephalometric analysis, AI informs the dentist about the presence of any degenerative temporomandibular disease (that can affect treatment) and predicts upper airway obstructions. The advanced algorithms are quick to identify the growth stage by CVM or wrist analysis. Reports show that due to the high efficiency and fast results, AI is being implemented in a wide range of image-based applications for orthodontic diagnosis worldwide.

Treatment Planning

The application of artificial intelligence is not limited to orthodontic diagnosis. Intelligent algorithms are capable of providing a blue-print of the treatment for the orthodontist. All dentists consider multiple factors (such as molar relations, maxillomandibular angles, space discrepancies, and the skeletal age of the patient, etc.) when choosing to extract teeth for treatment. Here again, AI has demonstrated exceptional accuracy in dental diagnosis. The accuracy of automated extraction prediction was found to be 87.4% in a study, validating its use as a decision-support system.

AI provides a conclusive treatment plan only after deep analysis. Thus, randomized controlled trials show that AI-based tools significantly enhance the accuracy of treatment and have the following advantages:

• Reduced treatment time
• Fewer patient appointments
• Increased patient satisfaction

Despite the high accuracy, orthodontists do not allow AI to solely make treatment decisions. The latest studies recommend that AI-based prediction should be used with caution and along with expert opinion. Experts suggest incorporation of AI must not impact the patient-doctor relationship.

Treatment Execution And Monitoring

As already mentioned, orthodontic therapies like clear aligner therapy require fewer patient visits. With AI incorporation, telehealth has been able to move leaps and bounds. Smartphone-based AI software allows patients to update the dentist about the treatment progress without visiting the clinic. The software runs on reliable algorithms that give a clear picture of the teeth. AI-driven dental monitoring is effective in reducing in-office visits and improving oral hygiene. Thus, AI dental monitoring is being readily adopted by numerous orthodontists.

Challenges Faced By Implementation Of AI In Orthodontics

AI has shown promising results in healthcare but there are certain challenges in the incorporation of AI in orthodontics on a large scale. The greatest challenge faced in the complete automation of processes is data privacy and security. AI service providers make sure to keep the data safe from hackers. However, a doctor’s knowledge of the matter is also very important.

Machine learning works by exposing itself to different scenarios. You can get accurate algorithms only if the provided data is precise and unbiased. Thus, equitable and generalizable algorithms (for all) are still obstacles in the wider implementation of AI.

Most AI programs suffer from a “black box effect” where the processing (to reach a specific conclusion) is kept hidden from the user. This secrecy of the system gravely reduces the transparency of the diagnosis or treatment plan.

The Rise Of Large Language Models (LLMs)

Large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT4.0 and Llama have gained immense popularity recently. Research suggests that these programs have potential benefits in dental medicine but should be used with caution. The AI chatbot (ChatGPT) has the potential to revolutionize the field of orthodontics. With these advanced automated chat programs, orthodontists and patients can get guidance without the need for specialized dentistry-related software.

Final Word

AI has multiple applications in orthodontics. With the advent of AI-based robotics, artificial intelligence is capable of fabricating orthodontic appliances (clear aligners, removable devices, etc.) and bending archwires. Moreover, the advanced machine learning algorithms enable quick and accurate diagnosis and provide a treatment framework to the orthodontist. AI also offers remote dental monitoring of aligner patients which greatly reduces practitioners’ burden. Despite all the goodies, the implementation of AI on a large scale is laggy due to data security concerns, the black box effect, and decision bias. Recently, we have seen the rise of LLMs like ChatGPT4.0 which can be helpful in orthodontics.

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