Markerless augmented reality-guided mini-screw placement: A clinical case series

Placing mini-screws between teeth can risk contacting or damaging dental roots and injuring adjacent nerves, blood vessels or maxillary sinus when local anatomy is not visualised precisely. The latest digital advances in orthodontics have enabled three-dimensional (3D) virtual protocol designing, allowing orthodontists to simulate the orthodontic treatments and collaboratively map out the surgical intervention before procedures. Computed tomography (CT)-based surgical guides are strongly recommended for patients with delicate and complex anatomical conditions.

Three patients presented with concerns related to their occlusion and required precise orthodontic mini-screw insertion.Clinical findings and investigations:In all cases, augmented reality (AR)-guided systems were used to assist in the precise positioning of orthodontic mini-screws.

Successful placement of the mini-screw without damage to the tooth root, confirmed by postoperative radiographs.Relevance and impact:The non-invasive AR-guided system can efficiently highlight the precise position of the tooth root. Hence, AR-assisted mini-screw positioning might potentially aid in avoiding root damage and reducing mini-screw failure rates. This technology offers significant benefits over traditional methods, including adaptability, real-time adjustments and cost efficiency, making it a promising tool for clinicians who place mini-screws.