Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Orthodontics: Transforming Diagnosis, Treatment Planning, and Outcome Prediction

Abstract

Introduction: This review article aims to explore the current applications, benefits, challenges, and future directions of artificial intelligence (AI) in orthodontics, providing a comprehensive overview of its transformative impact on the field.Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify studies utilizing AI in orthodontic diagnosis, treatment planning, and outcome prediction. PubMed, Scopus, and SpringerLink electronic databases were used to extract articles published in the last 10 years (2015-2025). Additional studies were searched from previous reviews and Google Scholar. After applying the selection criteria, 86 studies were analyzed.Results: AI-based models demonstrated high diagnostic performance across multiple orthodontic domains. The reported accuracies in cephalometric analysis and cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) assessment frequently exceeded 90%, with mean localization errors often below 2 mm and agreement comparable to expert clinicians. Malocclusion classification models achieved accuracy above 90% across most studies, particularly when applied to image-based datasets. In treatment planning, AI models showed 80-94% agreement with orthodontic experts in extraction decision-making and over 90% accuracy in orthognathic surgery diagnosis and planning. Outcome prediction models reported mean errors ranging from approximately 0.7 to 1.8 mm for skeletal and soft tissue changes.Conclusion: AI has demonstrated significant progress in diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning, and outcome prediction, indicating its transformative potential in orthodontics. However, challenges such as limited generalizability, lack of standardized protocols, and reliance on single-center data remain significant barriers for clinical application. Future research should focus on multi-center validation, diverse datasets, and integration into real-world clinical workflows.