Navigating the metaverse: Shaping the future of prosthodontics with augmented, virtual reality, block chains, cryptocurrencies and tele-dentistry - A narrative review

The integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) into prosthodontics has revolutionized both clinical practices and education. AR enhances diagnostic accuracy and guides procedures by merging virtual models with the real world, while VR facilitates immersive training and improves patient education. Together, these technologies optimize workflow, improve precision, and promote a patient-centered approach to prosthodontic care.Beyond AR and VR, the metaverse—a rapidly evolving digital landscape—is poised to further transform dentistry. By incorporating blockchain technology, secure data management and transparent transactions become feasible, ensuring reliability in dental records and financial exchanges. Cryptocurrencies streamline transactions within virtual spaces, offering seamless financial interactions. Tele-dentistry, enhanced by metaverse platforms, enables remote diagnostics and treatment planning, improving accessibility to specialized care.CRISPR, a groundbreaking genome-editing tool, presents significant potential in prosthodontics by advancing personalized treatment strategies. While widely recognized for its applications in genetic research and cancer treatment, its role in dental science continues to expand, opening new avenues for innovation.This narrative review explores the current applications and future prospects of the metaverse in prosthodontics, demonstrating how emerging technologies—including blockchain, cryptocurrencies, tele-prosthodontics, and CRISPR—can redefine prosthodontic practice, education, and patient care. By fostering innovation and embracing a digital-first approach, the metaverse represents a paradigm shift, ensuring enhanced precision, improved accessibility, and patient-centric advancements in prosthodontic care.