Orthodontics at the Nanoscale—Redefining Treatment through Nanotechnology: A Narrative Review

Traditional orthodontic materials, while integral to clinical practice, face inherent limitations such as frictional resistance, corrosion, and susceptibility to plaque accumulation.Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising field to address these challenges by manipulating materials at the nanoscale to enhance mechanical, chemical, and biological properties.This narrative review synthesizes predominantly preclinical evidence on nanomaterials in orthodontic therapy, spanning archwires, brackets, adhesives, and auxiliaries.Nanocoatings and nanofillers-including titanium dioxide (TiO₂), silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and graphene-have shown promising results in preclinical studies for reducing friction, improving bond strength, and inhibiting biofilm formation to prevent white spot lesions.The review further explores nanotechnology in clear aligners and temporary anchorage devices (TADs), highlighting improvements in mechanical stability and osseointegration.Future applications, such as shape memory polymers (SMPs), smart brackets with nanosensors, and nanorobotics, theoretically offer precise force control and realtime monitoring.Despite these encouraging developments, concerns regarding nanoparticle toxicity and long-term biocompatibility necessitate further rigorous clinical evaluation.The current evidence base is predominantly in vitro and animal-derived; robust clinical trials are needed before nanotechnology can be widely translated into routine orthodontic practice.