Haptic technology in orthodontics: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Tactile feedback through haptic technology is increasingly being applied in orthodontic education and selected clinical workflows, but its overall effectiveness has not been comprehensively synthesized. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the evidence on haptic and virtual reality technologies in orthodontic training and practice. In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a systematic search of multiple databases was conducted from inception through October 2025. Nine studies met the Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome-based eligibility criteria. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to estimate effect sizes (Hedges’ g), and subgroup analyses were undertaken to explore heterogeneity. The pooled effect size was large and statistically significant (g = 1.40, 95% CI: 0.82–1.98, p < 0.001), although heterogeneity was high (I 2 = 77.32). A subgroup analysis indicated beneficial effects in both bracket-bonding training and orthognathic surgical planning, with greater variability in bracket-bonding studies. Although the evidence base is limited by moderate risk of bias in several studies and a small number of trials, haptic and VR systems appear valuable for improving psychomotor learning and procedural planning in orthodontics. Their educational efficacy is supported, whereas translation to direct patient-care benefits remains promising but not yet firmly established. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD420251246154 , PROSPERO 2025 CRD420251246154.