ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN FACIAL AESTHETIC PLANNING IN DENTISTRY: EVIDENCE, APPLICATIONS, AND CHALLENGES FROM AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

In recent decades, dentistry has been transformed by the incorporation of digital technologies into diagnostic and clinical planning processes. In this context, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has expanded the possibilities for facial aesthetic analysis and simulation of therapeutic results, driving digital dentistry. Therefore, this study aims to map and analyze the AI technologies described in the scientific literature applied to facial aesthetic planning in dentistry, identifying their main applications in this context. To this end, an integrative literature review was conducted based on the methodological model proposed by Torraco. Searches were performed in the CAPES Periodicals Portal and PubMed/MEDLINE databases, using descriptors related to artificial intelligence, aesthetic dentistry, and facial analysis. 453 studies were retrieved, of which 7 met the inclusion criteria and comprised the final corpus of the review. The results indicate applications concentrated in automated facial analysis using computer vision, digital classification of smile features, and predictive models for simulating aesthetic results in orthodontic and restorative treatments. In conclusion, AI has high potential to transform facial aesthetic planning in dentistry, although its consolidation in clinical practice depends on methodological validation, standardization of metrics, and expansion of training databases.