Digital Twin Technology in Orthopedic and Orthodontic Treatment Planning
Abstract
Digital twin technology represents a paradigm shift in personalized medical treatment, enabling virtual replicas of anatomical structures that can be interrogated, simulated, and monitored in real time. In orthopedic and orthodontic disciplines, digital twins bridge the gap between diagnostic imaging and clinical execution by integrating multi-modal patient data — including cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), intraoral scans, biomechanical sensor feeds, and electronic health records — into a unified, continuously updated computational model. This article reviews the foundational concepts of digital twinning, the architecture of personalized simulation systems, real-time monitoring frameworks, and clinical applications across implant surgery, fracture fixation, and clear aligner therapy. Evidence suggests reductions in revision rates of up to 67%, planning time decreases exceeding 70%, and measurable gains in patient satisfaction. Despite promising outcomes, challenges related to data standardization, computational cost, and regulatory pathways remain. The synthesis of current literature provides a roadmap for translational adoption of digital twin platforms in routine musculoskeletal and craniofacial care.
How to Cite This Article
Kenta Hiroshi Nakamura (2026). Digital Twin Technology in Orthopedic and Orthodontic Treatment Planning . International Journal of Orthopedic and Orthodontic Research (IJOOR), 2(3), 06-09.