Charting the artificial intelligence revolution in orthodontics : A bibliometric analysis of key players, collaborations, and research directions.

PURPOSE: Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming orthodontics, yet a comprehensive and up-to-date bibliometric analysis is lacking. This study systematically maps key research areas, influential contributors, and collaborative networks driving AI innovation. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted in the Web of Science (Clarivate, London, UK) for AI and orthodontics articles up to January 10, 2026. CiteSpace (version 6.2.R6, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA) and VOSviewer (version 1.6.20, Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands) were used to extract and visualize the data, including publications, journals, institutions, countries, highly cited articles, authors, and keywords. RESULTS: A total of 454 articles were included, authored by 2150 authors affiliated with 674 institutions across 64 countries. The research landscape has expanded exponentially since 2019, with the USA, China, and South Korea emerging as primary global collaboration hubs. Keyword burst analysis highlighted the rapid clinical integration of AI applications in image recognition, diagnosis, and evaluation. CONCLUSION: This study maps AI integration trends, showing how AI enhances diagnostic precision and treatment evaluation. These insights might be able to guide researchers toward cutting-edge frontiers. Future research should prioritize multimodal data integration, personalized treatment workflows, and patient privacy protection.