Integration of Digital Twin Technology in Orthodontics: A Scoping Review.
Authors
Affiliations (4)
Affiliations (4)
- Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Manipal College of Dental Sciences Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India, manipal.edu.
- Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Manav Rachna Dental College, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies (MRIIRS), Faridabad, Haryana, India, mrdc.ac.in.
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Manipal College of Dental Sciences Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India, manipal.edu.
- Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), Dubai, UAE, mbruniversity.ac.ae.
Abstract
Digital twin technology (DTT) is an emerging concept in healthcare enabling real-time patient and process simulations and predictive analytics that enhance personalized treatment and clinical decision-making. Orthodontics, being a comprehensive subject involving technicalities associated with diagnosis and treatment planning, the specific role of DTT, remains underexplored. This gap presents a crucial opportunity to harness its power to create dynamic virtual models for truly personalized and data-driven care. The objective is to map the extent and type of evidence available on the applicability of DTT in orthodontics, including its advantages, challenges, implementation in clinical settings, and perspective trends. A review synthesis for relevant articles published between 2005 and April 2025 in the English language was conducted across electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science. Studies meeting the predefined eligibility criteria were included, and data relating to the applicability of digital twins (DTs) in orthodontics were assessed. To identify trends and inconsistencies in the existing literature, data extraction and synthesis of the findings were performed following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. This scoping review has collated a consolidated view of research investigating the applicability of the DTs in orthodontics specifically. Nine studies were identified that mapped applications of this technology in orthodontics, which are currently limited yet diverse, ranging from static craniofacial twins built from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to multimodal ones combining CBCT, intraoral scanner (IOS), and facial scans for more detailed analysis. The elaborate theoretical foundation available for this technology in other sectors has the potential to be executed in orthodontics to revolutionize the field. DTT exhibits immense potential and clinical significance in the field of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics in the nearing future to ultimately enhance the accuracy and efficiency of diagnosis and treatment like never before, improving overall experience for the clinicians, students, and the patients.