Smart Brackets in Orthodontics: Bridging Digital Innovation and Clinical Practice

Abstract

The integration of sensing, wireless communication, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital health technology with orthodontic appliances is driving the development of real-time monitoring systems for orthodontic treatment. Telemetric smart brackets represent an emerging technological approach for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment monitoring. Conventional orthodontic appliances apply mechanical forces to facilitate controlled tooth movement; however, clinicians typically have limited access to real-time information regarding the forces and moments acting on individual teeth. Telemetric smart brackets aim to overcome this limitation by incorporating miniaturized sensors, microelectronic components, wireless communication systems and computational algorithms into orthodontic appliances. These innovations may enable continuous monitoring of orthodontic forces, tooth movement, oral hygiene and overall treatment progress.  This review highlights recent advances in orthodontic sensors, wireless connectivity, power sources, clinical applications and Internet of Dental Things (IoDT) integration, while also addressing current limitations and future directions.