Present and Future of the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Orthodontics

Artificial intelligence (AI) has penetrated many aspects of orthodontic clinical practice over the past decade. This narrative review aims to highlight all the areas where AI has already entered clinical routine and how it can further improve orthodontic practice in the future. AI is present in diagnostic procedures, facilitating record keeping and supporting the study of patient radiographic and photographic image characteristics. It also underpins the creation and analysis of digital impressions. AI has also become part of patient communication processes, helping to share treatment decisions and facilitating treatment monitoring. Technology and the availability of clinical data also enable the use of AI in diagnostic processes. Currently, clinicians must evaluate AI-provided clinical suggestions before accepting them, as is the case with clear aligner treatments, for example. Research on AI in dentistry, reported in this article, promises to increase the precision of diagnostic measurements and facilitate clinicians’ treatment decisions.