Smartphone applications used in orthodontics: A scoping review of scholarly literature

• Published in: Journal of the world federation of orthodontists 2020-10, Vol.9 (3), p.S67-S73
• Main Authors: Vaid, Nikhilesh R., Hansa, Ismaeel, Bichu, Yashodhan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Dentistry; Digital orthodontics; Orthodontic apps; Scoping review
• ISSN: 2212-4438; 2212-4438
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejwf.2020.08.007

Mobile applications (apps) play an increasingly important role in day to day life. With the number of orthodontic-related apps continuing to increase, and the rapid development of artificial intelligence, the potential to yield tremendous benefits to both clinicians and patients is apparent. However, if orthodontic apps are to become mainstream and obtain greater acceptance, scientific validation and investigation of these apps are to be undertaken. This scoping review aimed to determine the scope and extent of the published literature on mobile apps in orthodontics, as well as identify the types of studies published, and summarize the outcomes studied- thus also giving direction for future research in a rapidly evolving subject area. •Limited research (17 studies) has been carried out on apps used in orthodontics.•6 studies were RCTs (35%), 9 were case-controls (53%), 1 was a cohort study (retrospective) (6%) and 1 cross-sectional study was found (6%).•6 studies (35%) were based on apps used for diagnostics, and all were cephalometric apps. 7 studies (41%) investigating apps used for reminders were present. 4 studies (24%) investigated dedicated remote monitoring apps and all four studied Dental Monitoring.•Apps used for orthodontic purposes other than reminders, diagnostics (cephalometry) or remote monitoring have not been studied.