Wearable Orofacial Technology and Orthodontics

Abstract

Wearable technology to augment traditional approaches are increasingly being added to the arsenals of treatment providers. Wearable technology generally refers to electronic systems, devices, or sensors that are usually worn on or are in close proximity to the human body. Wearables may be stand-alone or integrated into materials that are worn on the body. What sets medical wearables apart from other systems is their ability to collect, store, and relay information regarding an individual’s current body status to other devices operating on compatible networks in naturalistic settings. The last decade has witnessed a steady increase in the use of wearables specific to the orofacial region. Applications range from supplementing diagnosis, tracking treatment progress, monitoring patient compliance, and better understanding the jaw’s functional and parafunctional activities. Orofacial wearable devices may be unimodal or incorporate multiple sensing modalities. The objective data collected continuously, in real time, in naturalistic settings using these orofacial wearables provide opportunities to formulate accurate and personalized treatment strategies. In the not-too-distant future, it is anticipated that information about an individual’s current oral health status may provide patient-centric personalized care to prevent, diagnose, and treat oral diseases, with wearables playing a key role. In this review, we examine the progress achieved, summarize applications of orthodontic relevance and examine the future potential of orofacial wearables.

Discrepancies in Cephalometric Analysis Results between Orthodontists and Radiologists and Artificial Intelligence: A Systematic Review

“…Currently, a comprehensive evaluation of the facial skeleton in conjunction with soft tissue proportions, skeletal features, teeth, and occlusion holds paramount importance in contemporary orthodontic treatment and orthognathic surgery protocols. Numerous advancements in orthodontic and orthognathic studies have been reported, as noted by Prasad et al [61] and Starch-Jensen et al [1]. The main findings suggest that new technologies in cephalometric assessment are the future, but significant efforts are needed to fully optimize their performance.…”

“…In turn, other factors, such as patient positioning, maintaining a good NHP, and ensuring appropriate resting positions of the jaw, teeth, facial features, skull, and body posture during examination, are areas that still warrant attention [1,61]. The most critical aspect of evaluating facial photographs, CBCT scans, and 3D assessments lies in achieving a natural, physiologically balanced head position and patient silhouette.…”

“…Similar studies conducted by Chen et al [39], Baker et al [42], Mario et al [43], Turner et al [45], Mosley et al [46], and Tsorovas et al [50], among others, tend to corroborate these findings. Today's software aims not only for precise and accurate measurements but also to mitigate any potential human errors or inaccuracies in craniometric evaluation [1,61]. From the author's perspective, this situation is quite evident, but when patients' head positioning in NHP during radiographs, facial photographs, and CBCT evaluation is misaligned, even with numerous new devices and software, the results may not be accurate.…”

Artificial Intelligence in Orthodontics: Critical Review

“…AI holds the potential to revolutionize the way patient follow-ups are conducted, using remotely obtained data from wearable devices or image sources (Prasad et al 2023). The application of AI in telemonitoring software has been positively received by both patients and dental practitioners alike (Dalessandri et al 2021).…”

Current landscape of orthodontic progress: Where we stand today! A comprehensive review

“…This wearable sensor's ability to track mandibular motion has demonstrated promise for both treating bruxism and diagnosing OSA. 3 The recent surge in diagnostic aids and treatment modalities has propelled orthodontics into a new era of precision, efficiency, and patient-centric care. These advancements underscore the commitment of the orthodontic community to staying at the forefront of innovation for the benefit of patients and the evolution of the field.…”