Orthodontic treatment planning
“Orthodontic treatment planning” (Dentist) is being replaced by AI: it entered in 2018 and is projected to be largely replaced by 2028.
AI enters
2018
Largely replaced
2028
Replacement progress
80%
Technology / key factor
AI ortho planning + clear aligners
What this task is
Orthodontists analyze tooth alignment, bite and facial profile to plan how the teeth should move, whether any extractions are needed and roughly how long treatment will take.
How AI replaces it
From 2018, with the spread of clear aligners, AI began setting up teeth automatically from scans, simulating movement and generating staged plans. By around 2028, routine orthodontic plans are expected to be mainly AI-designed.
What stays human
Orthodontists review and modify the proposed plans, take on complex skeletal cases, and adjust treatment at follow-up visits based on how the teeth are actually moving.
Other Dentist tasks
All Dentist tasks →Designing crowns and restorationsReplaced
2016 → 2025 · CAD/CAM + AI auto-design
Reading dental X-raysBeing replaced
2019 → 2027 · Dental imaging AI
Implant surgeryBeing replaced
2024 → 2036 · Implant robots
Complex treatment and patient communicationWill be replaced
2035 → 2045+ · Needs clinical judgment and trust