An Innovative Method of Bracket Positioning using Augmented Reality: A Clinical Insight

Abstract Background/objectives: Augmented reality (AR) might be a useful concept to change the future of the orthodontic practice. The aim of this article is to introduce a novel method integrating AR to aid in bracket placement with virtually pre-planned positions without a transfer tray. Methods: For a 30-year-old female patient, bracket positions of the upper model are virtually planned on specialized software, the resulting data is then transferred via a smartphone application, which was used in combination with a VR headset to aid the operator in viewing markers denoting the precise positions of the brackets on the model. Results: Brackets were successfully transferred using the AR-guided method onto the printed model, simulating the actual process in-vivo. Conclusions: The proposed method has proven helpful in easily identifying the precise bracket positions, however further clinical testing is underway for validation of accuracy of the transfer method.