Orthodontics has entered a transformative era marked by technological innovation, personalized treatment protocols, and an increased emphasis on evidence-based practice.
In 2024, orthodontic research continued to expand its frontiers, addressing both long-standing clinical challenges and emerging topics such as digital monitoring, skeletal anchorage systems, artificial intelligence, and even natural adjuncts for pain and inflammation control.
The global orthodontic community is increasingly driven by data and outcomes.
Whether it’s refining bracket systems, exploring the biomechanics of mini-implants, optimizing aligner efficacy, or integrating gamification in dental education, today’s orthodontists must stay ahead of the curve.
Understanding the most impactful scientific contributions of the year is not just a matter of academic interest—it’s a clinical imperative.
🔟 Top Publications of 2024
1. Effectiveness of Dental Monitoring System in Orthodontics: A Systematic Review
Journal: Journal of Orthodontics (2023/2024)
Summary: This review shows that remote digital monitoring platforms improve treatment efficiency and patient compliance, though integration with in‑office workflows remains essential.
2. Occlusal Outcome of Fixed Appliance Treatment: Systematic Review & Meta‐Analysis
Summary: Reviewing 1,470 patients, the study confirms high clinical success using PAR and ABO‑OGS indices. Extraction cases performed slightly better, and device variations (brackets, aligners, vibration adjuncts) showed minimal occlusal differences.
3. Effect of Surface Roughening on Success of Orthodontic Mini‑Implants: Meta‑Analysis
Summary: No significant improvement was observed from roughened surfaces on mini‑implant success—highlighting a 6% failure rate. Evidence remains low certainty, urging continued evaluation.
4. Mapping Review of Systematic Reviews in Orthodontics
Journal: Frontiers in Oral Health (2024)
Summary: Analyzing 430 systematic reviews from 2018–2023, the study identifies key topics: palatal expansion, accelerated movement, clear aligners. However, only ~18% were high/moderate quality, calling for stricter reporting standards.
5. Exploring Orthodontic Treatment & TMD in Pediatric Patients
Summary: Retrospective analysis links certain orthodontic approaches to reduced signs of TMD in children, though authors note limitations in study design and sample size.
6. Game‑Based Learning in Orthodontic Education: Systematic Review
Journal: BDJ Open (2024)
Summary: Among seven studies, game-based learning (GBL) showed enhanced learner performance and motivation vs. traditional education. Authors recommend more robust trials to confirm effectiveness.
7. Success Rate of Infrazygomatic Crest Mini-Screw Implants: Systematic Review
Summary: Meta-analyses reveal IZC-MSI success rates above 85%, but noted variability due to patient anatomy and clinician technique.
8. Rotations of Teeth – A Systematic Review
Journal: Frontiers in Oral Health (Mar 2024)
Summary: This review finds no universally accepted classification for tooth rotations. Calls for standardization to improve diagnosis and retention strategies.
9. Physical Interventions for Orthodontic Pain Control: Network Meta-Analysis
Journal: PLOS ONE (Feb 2024)
Summary: Low-Level Laser Therapy, vibration, acupuncture, and chewing show significant pain relief post-activation. Acupuncture ranked highest at 48 hours, though optimal protocols require further study.
10. Evaluating Natural Products for Inflammation in Orthodontics
Journal: Nutrients (2024)
Summary: RCTs using Aloe vera, honey, resveratrol show ~40% reduction in gingival inflammation and improved plaque metrics—positioning them as promising adjuncts in orthodontic hygiene protocols.
Final Thoughts
These ten studies reflect diverse, clinically relevant trends—from patient monitoring and biomechanics to pain management and education.
Their integration of evidence-based data supports:
✔ Enhanced treatment efficiency and compliance
✔ Reliable biomechanical outcomes
✔ Improved quality of life through pain mitigation
✔ Optimized patient education and engagement
