Introduction

Dental movement has been a cornerstone of orthodontic and prosthodontic treatment strategies, aiming to restore functionality and aesthetics while ensuring optimal patient comfort. Over the decades, advancements in biomechanics and materials science have transformed the traditional approaches to dental movement. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and innovative materials, modern dentistry now offers more predictable, efficient, and minimally invasive treatment options. These developments cater to the growing demand for personalized and accelerated orthodontic care, which aligns with evolving patient expectations and clinical goals.

Biomechanics forms the foundation of dental movement, governing the application of controlled forces to achieve desired tooth positioning. Classical orthodontic techniques often relied on a balance of tensile and compressive forces acting on periodontal ligaments to stimulate alveolar bone remodeling (1). However, these approaches, though effective, were not without limitations, such as discomfort and prolonged treatment durations. Recent innovations have focused on optimizing these biomechanical principles through the use of sophisticated force delivery systems, including self-ligating brackets, clear aligners, and mini-implants. These advancements not only enhance efficiency but also reduce unwanted side effects, such as root resorption and periodontal damage.

The introduction of novel materials in orthodontics has further revolutionized the practice. Traditional metal brackets and wires, while functional, often posed challenges in terms of aesthetics and biocompatibility. To address these issues, materials such as nickel-titanium (NiTi) alloys and ceramic composites have gained prominence. NiTi, for instance, exhibits exceptional shape memory and superelastic properties, allowing for continuous force application over extended periods (2). Additionally, the development of smart materials that respond to thermal or mechanical stimuli has opened new avenues for patient-centric treatment designs.

Digital technologies have also played a transformative role in the realm of dental movement. Tools like computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), 3D imaging, and artificial intelligence (AI) have enabled precise diagnosis, treatment planning, and execution. For example, 3D printing technology allows for the fabrication of custom aligners and orthodontic appliances with unparalleled accuracy, significantly enhancing clinical outcomes (3). Furthermore, AI-driven algorithms can predict tooth movement patterns, allowing clinicians to refine treatment plans dynamically and achieve optimal results. Sustainability and patient safety are becoming increasingly critical considerations in the design and application of orthodontic materials. Researchers are exploring the use of biocompatible and eco-friendly materials, such as bioresorbable polymers, to reduce environmental impact and improve patient experiences. These materials not only align with global sustainability goals but also minimize adverse reactions associated with traditional synthetic materials (4).

Review

The integration of innovative biomechanical techniques and advanced materials has significantly transformed dental movement strategies. Biomechanical advancements have allowed for more precise control of force application, reducing the risk of complications such as root resorption and periodontal damage. Devices such as temporary anchorage devices (TADs) and clear aligners offer targeted force application, enhancing treatment outcomes and patient comfort (5). These innovations align with patient demands for minimally invasive and aesthetically pleasing solutions, providing a significant leap from traditional methods.

Materials science has also played a pivotal role in enhancing the efficacy and sustainability of dental movement. NiTi alloys and shape-memory polymers have improved force distribution and durability in orthodontic appliances. Smart materials that respond to thermal or mechanical stimuli further enable patient-specific treatment adjustments, improving both efficiency and compliance (6). These materials demonstrate biocompatibility and resilience, ensuring their suitability for long-term use. Furthermore, digital technologies have streamlined treatment planning and execution, integrating AI and 3D printing to customize appliances with unparalleled precision. Such advancements promise to reduce treatment times while enhancing predictability. By bridging biomechanics, materials science, and technology, modern dentistry continues to redefine the paradigms of dental movement.

Advancements in Biomechanical Techniques for Controlled Dental Movement

The evolution of biomechanical techniques in dental movement has significantly enhanced the predictability and efficiency of orthodontic treatments. One prominent advancement is the development of TADs, which have revolutionized force control in orthodontics. These devices are mini-implants or mini-screws inserted into alveolar bone to provide stable anchorage, enabling precise application of forces without relying on adjacent teeth. TADs allow for complex movements, such as molar intrusion or distalization, with minimal adverse effects on surrounding structures. This method is particularly effective in patients with missing or weakened teeth, where traditional anchorage systems may fail (7).

Another innovation in biomechanical control is the emergence of self-ligating brackets. Unlike conventional brackets, which require elastic or metal ligatures, self-ligating systems utilize built-in clips to secure archwires. This design reduces friction between the archwire and bracket, facilitating smoother tooth movement with lighter forces. Additionally, self-ligating brackets minimize plaque accumulation and improve oral hygiene, making them more patient-friendly. Studies have demonstrated that these brackets can shorten treatment times and enhance patient comfort, making them a preferred choice in modern orthodontics (8). Clear aligner systems have also become a cornerstone of biomechanical advancements. These removable, transparent appliances are custom-designed using digital imaging and CAD/CAM technology to achieve gradual tooth movement. Clear aligners offer numerous benefits, including improved aesthetics, patient compliance, and the ability to perform simultaneous multiple movements. Their design allows for controlled force application, targeting specific teeth while minimizing unwanted side effects such as tipping or rotation. Additionally, the incorporation of AI in treatment planning has further optimized aligner efficacy, ensuring more precise outcomes (9).

Another area of advancement lies in the use of orthodontic wires with superior biomechanical properties. NiTi wires have gained widespread use due to their shape-memory effect and superelasticity, which allow them to maintain consistent forces over extended periods. Furthermore, heat-activated NiTi wires have been developed to respond to intraoral temperature changes, enhancing their adaptability and force delivery. These wires provide gentle, continuous forces, reducing patient discomfort while achieving efficient tooth movement. Their corrosion resistance and durability make them highly reliable in various clinical scenarios, including complex malocclusions (10). The combination of these biomechanical techniques has enabled clinicians to achieve greater control and precision in orthodontic treatments. By leveraging TADs, self-ligating brackets, clear aligners, and advanced wires, practitioners can address a wider range of dental movement challenges, improving treatment efficiency and patient satisfaction.

Development and Application of Smart Materials in Orthodontics

Smart materials have emerged as a cornerstone in modern orthodontics, offering properties that adapt dynamically to mechanical, thermal, or environmental stimuli. Among these, shape-memory alloys (SMAs), particularly NiTi wires, have become essential due to their unique ability to return to a pre-set shape after deformation. This property enables consistent force application during treatment, reducing the need for frequent adjustments. Moreover, advances in NiTi technology, such as the development of heat-activated wires, have enhanced their clinical applications by tailoring stiffness levels to intraoral conditions, significantly improving patient comfort (11).

Beyond SMAs, the advent of bioresponsive polymers has expanded the possibilities for orthodontic devices. These materials, designed to respond to specific triggers like pH or temperature changes, are now being integrated into aligners and ligatures. One notable innovation is the use of pH-sensitive polymers in orthodontic adhesives, which release antimicrobial agents or fluoride ions in response to acidic conditions. This mechanism helps to mitigate enamel demineralization, a common side effect of orthodontic treatment, while maintaining strong adhesion between brackets and teeth (12). Such dual functionality offers a significant advantage in reducing treatment-related complications.

Nanotechnology has also played a transformative role in enhancing the performance of orthodontic materials. The incorporation of nanoparticles, such as silver or zinc oxide, into brackets and wires has introduced inherent antibacterial properties. These nanoparticles disrupt bacterial membranes and biofilms, reducing the risk of caries and gingival inflammation during treatment. Additionally, the nano-scale structure of these materials ensures a smoother surface, minimizing friction between wires and brackets, which further optimizes force transmission and tooth movement (13). This combination of mechanical and biological benefits underscores the growing relevance of nanotechnology in orthodontic innovation.

Piezoelectric materials have further contributed to the advancement of smart orthodontic systems. These materials generate an electrical charge in response to mechanical stress, which can accelerate cellular activity in the periodontal ligament and surrounding bone. Piezoelectric properties have been integrated into appliances to stimulate faster bone remodeling, thereby shortening treatment durations. Researchers are exploring the potential for self-powered piezoelectric orthodontic devices that leverage natural jaw movements to generate energy for controlled force delivery, eliminating the need for external power sources (14). Such developments align with the broader trend toward patient-centric, minimally invasive solutions. The incorporation of smart materials into orthodontics represents a paradigm shift in treatment planning and execution, providing clinicians with tools to enhance precision, reduce complications, and improve patient outcomes.

Integration of Digital Technologies in Enhancing Dental Movement Precision

Digital technologies have ushered in a new era in orthodontics, offering tools that significantly improve the precision and predictability of dental movement. One key advancement is the use of intraoral scanners, which replace traditional impression techniques with high-resolution digital models. These scanners capture accurate representations of dental arches in a non-invasive manner, reducing patient discomfort while enhancing the accuracy of appliance fabrication. Intraoral scans are particularly useful for creating clear aligners and custom brackets, where even minor deviations can impact treatment outcomes (15).

Another transformative technology is the use of virtual treatment planning software. Programs like ClinCheck and similar platforms allow orthodontists to simulate tooth movement in a 3D environment, visualizing each stage of the treatment plan before implementation. This predictive modeling ensures that clinicians can anticipate challenges and adjust strategies accordingly. Virtual simulations also facilitate communication with patients, offering visual representations of expected outcomes, which improves patient understanding and compliance (16). Incorporating digital orthodontics with robotics has further expanded the potential for precision. Robotic systems are now employed to bend custom archwires with exceptional accuracy, matching the pre-determined digital treatment plans. These robotically fabricated wires ensure consistent force delivery, leading to more predictable tooth movement. The automation of this process reduces human error and saves valuable chairside time, allowing orthodontists to focus on patient care rather than manual adjustments (17).

Moreover, advancements in wearable sensor technology have introduced real-time monitoring capabilities into orthodontics. Devices equipped with accelerometers and pressure sensors can measure forces applied to teeth and record patient compliance with aligner wear. This data is transmitted to clinicians, enabling them to make evidence-based decisions and optimize treatment progress. Such technologies align with the growing demand for personalized treatment approaches, where real-time feedback can significantly enhance outcomes (18). These innovations demonstrate the transformative impact of digital technologies in orthodontics, redefining precision, efficiency, and patient engagement.

Sustainability and Biocompatibility in Modern Orthodontic Materials

The growing emphasis on sustainability and biocompatibility in healthcare has influenced the development of orthodontic materials, fostering a shift toward eco-friendly and patient-safe options. Biodegradable polymers are among the forefront of these advancements, offering an alternative to traditional materials used in orthodontic aligners and retainers. These polymers degrade into non-toxic byproducts over time, reducing environmental impact and eliminating the need for disposal of non-degradable plastics. Moreover, their customizable properties allow for controlled degradation rates, making them versatile for various orthodontic applications (19).

Material biocompatibility is a key consideration in orthodontics. Many conventional materials, such as stainless steel or nickel-based alloys, have been associated with allergic reactions or cytotoxicity in sensitive patients. To address this, alternative alloys and coatings have been developed to minimize adverse biological responses. Titanium and its alloys, for instance, exhibit excellent biocompatibility due to their ability to form a stable oxide layer that prevents ion release into surrounding tissues. Such materials are particularly beneficial for patients with metal sensitivities, ensuring safe and effective treatment (20).

Ceramics have also gained attention as a sustainable and biocompatible material in orthodontics. Unlike metal-based components, ceramics are inert and do not interact with biological tissues or fluids. Their aesthetic advantages, combined with durability and resistance to staining, make them a preferred choice for brackets in patients seeking discreet orthodontic treatment. Recent innovations in ceramic processing techniques have enhanced their mechanical strength, enabling their use in demanding clinical scenarios without compromising performance or safety (21, 22).

Another promising avenue is the use of bioactive materials that not only support orthodontic functions but also actively promote tissue regeneration and health. Materials like bioactive glass release ions such as calcium and phosphate, which enhance remineralization and reduce the risk of demineralization during treatment. These properties are especially valuable in patients with compromised enamel or increased susceptibility to dental caries. The incorporation of such materials into adhesives, wires, and aligners represents a step forward in combining functional and therapeutic benefits in orthodontics (23). Through these innovations, the field of orthodontics is aligning with broader goals of sustainability and patient-centered care, ensuring that materials not only meet clinical demands but also address environmental and biocompatibility concerns.

Conclusion

Incorporating innovative approaches in orthodontic materials and techniques has transformed the practice, enhancing precision, sustainability, and patient outcomes. The integration of digital technologies, smart materials, and biocompatible solutions ensures more efficient and safer treatments. By addressing environmental concerns and leveraging advanced biomechanical methods, modern orthodontics continue to evolve. These advancements not only improve clinical efficacy but also align with global priorities for sustainable healthcare practices.

Disclosure

Conflict of interest

There is no conflict of interest

Funding

No funding

Ethical consideration

Non applicable

Data availability

Data that support the findings of this study are embedded within the manuscript.

Author contribution

All authors contributed to conceptualizing, data drafting, collection and final writing of the manuscript.