Artificial Intelligence, Airway Analysis, and Sustainable Orthodontics: Reflections from My Visit to Shandong University
- We Smile
- Jul 8
- 3 min read
Visiting Shandong University was a wonderful opportunity to exchange ideas with colleagues and students who share a passion for innovation in dentistry and orthodontics. During my lecture, I focused on two rapidly evolving areas that are shaping the future of our profession: Artificial Intelligence (AI) in orthodontics and airway analysis, and Sustainable Orthodontics.
As digital technologies continue to transform healthcare, orthodontics is moving beyond traditional diagnosis and treatment planning. We are entering an era where artificial intelligence, three-dimensional imaging, and digital workflows are becoming integral components of daily clinical practice. At the same time, we must also consider the environmental impact of these technological advances and ensure that innovation is accompanied by sustainability.
Artificial Intelligence: Transforming Orthodontic Practice
Artificial intelligence is no longer a concept of the future—it is becoming an essential clinical tool. Modern AI algorithms are capable of analyzing vast amounts of imaging and clinical data within seconds, supporting clinicians in making more consistent and evidence-based decisions.
In orthodontics, AI has already demonstrated promising applications in:
Automated cephalometric landmark identification
CBCT-based craniofacial analysis
Digital treatment planning
Prediction of tooth movement
Clear aligner treatment optimization
Growth assessment and skeletal maturity evaluation
Automated treatment progress monitoring
Importantly, AI should not be viewed as a replacement for clinical expertise. Rather, it serves as a powerful decision-support system that enables orthodontists to work more efficiently while maintaining high standards of patient care.
AI-Aided Airway Analysis and Obstructive Sleep Apnea
One of the most exciting developments in orthodontics is the integration of AI into airway evaluation.
Orthodontists routinely evaluate craniofacial morphology, facial growth, and skeletal relationships—factors that are closely associated with upper airway anatomy. As our understanding of sleep medicine expands, orthodontists are increasingly recognizing their role in identifying patients who may be at risk of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Artificial intelligence can assist clinicians by:
Automatically segmenting upper airway structures on CBCT scans
Measuring airway volume with greater precision
Identifying anatomical sites of airway constriction
Supporting risk assessment for sleep-disordered breathing
Facilitating interdisciplinary communication with sleep physicians and ENT specialists
Although the definitive diagnosis of OSA remains the responsibility of qualified medical professionals through polysomnography and clinical evaluation, orthodontists can contribute significantly to early screening, risk assessment, and appropriate referral.
As we modify craniofacial structures through functional orthopedic treatment, maxillary expansion, mandibular advancement, or orthognathic surgery, we inevitably influence airway anatomy. This reinforces the importance of incorporating airway considerations into modern orthodontic treatment planning.
Sustainable Orthodontics: Our Responsibility Beyond Clinical Success
While digital orthodontics offers remarkable advantages, it also presents new environmental challenges.
The widespread adoption of clear aligners, digital impressions, 3D printing, and advanced manufacturing has improved treatment efficiency and patient comfort. However, these technologies also contribute to increased plastic consumption, electronic waste, transportation emissions, and energy use.
Sustainable orthodontics encourages clinicians to balance technological innovation with environmental responsibility.
Important strategies include:
Fully digital workflows that reduce physical impressions and plaster models
Optimizing aligner production to minimize unnecessary waste
Reducing single-use materials whenever possible
Selecting environmentally responsible clinical protocols
Encouraging responsible recycling initiatives within dental practices
Sustainability should not be viewed as limiting innovation. Instead, it represents an opportunity to deliver high-quality patient care while protecting our environment for future generations.
The Future of Orthodontics
Orthodontics is rapidly evolving into a discipline that combines clinical expertise with artificial intelligence, digital technologies, precision imaging, and personalized treatment planning.
The orthodontist of tomorrow will not only align teeth but will also evaluate facial growth, airway health, sleep-related disorders, and environmental sustainability throughout the treatment process.
These developments encourage greater collaboration among orthodontists, radiologists, sleep physicians, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and biomedical engineers. Such interdisciplinary cooperation will undoubtedly lead to safer, more effective, and more patient-centered care.
My Experience at Shandong University
It was a privilege to present these topics at Shandong University and engage in stimulating discussions with faculty members, researchers, and students. The enthusiasm for integrating artificial intelligence with clinical orthodontics was truly inspiring, and I greatly appreciated the opportunity to exchange ideas on the future direction of our specialty.
Scientific collaboration across countries and institutions remains one of the strongest drivers of innovation. I look forward to continuing these collaborations and contributing to research that advances digital orthodontics, airway-focused treatment planning, and sustainable clinical practice.
Looking Ahead
Artificial intelligence, digital workflows, and sustainability are not separate concepts—they are interconnected pillars of the next generation of orthodontics.
Our challenge is not simply to adopt new technologies, but to apply them responsibly, ethically, and with the patient's overall health at the center of every clinical decision.
I remain excited about the future of our profession and the opportunities that lie ahead as we continue to redefine orthodontic care through innovation, collaboration, and sustainability.
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