Advancing orthodontic care through digital twin technology

Digital twin technology represents a transformative innovation in healthcare, creating virtual replicas that enable real-time monitoring, simulation, and predictive analytics. At its core, a digital twin is a comprehensive virtual representation of a physical entity that continuously synchronizes with real-world data, enabling dynamic simulation and predictive capabilities that distinguish it from static digital models or digital shadows. In orthodontics, digital twins integrate patient-specific anatomical data, treatment parameters, and biomechanical simulations to enhance clinical decision-making. Advances in three-dimensional imaging, artificial intelligence, and computational modelling have accelerated adoption, offering unprecedented opportunities for personalised planning. This narrative review aims to examine the current applications of digital twin technology in orthodontics, evaluate its clinical benefits and limitations, and explore future directions for research and implementation. A narrative review methodology was employed, synthesising peer-reviewed literature, clinical reports, and technological assessments published between 2018 and 2025. Electronic databases were searched to identify relevant studies on digital twin applications in orthodontic diagnosis, treatment planning, and biomechanical simulation. Digital twin technology demonstrates significant potential in orthodontics across multiple domains, including enhanced treatment planning accuracy, improved prediction of tooth movement, personalised biomechanical analysis, and adaptive treatment monitoring. Integration of artificial intelligence with digital twin models enables sophisticated outcome predictions and adaptive protocols. However, challenges persist, including high computational requirements, data integration complexities, the distinction between true digital twins and static digital workflows, and the need for standardised protocols. Digital twin technology represents a paradigm shift in orthodontic practice, offering transformative potential for precision diagnosis and individualised treatment. Future developments should focus on improving accessibility, establishing validation protocols, and integrating real-world evidence to support widespread adoption.