Table 2. Comparison of advanced orthodontic bracket types.

AgNP: silver nanoparticles; TiO₂: titanium dioxide; CAD/CAM: computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing; AI: artificial intelligence; IoDT: Internet of Dental Things

Bracket Type	Key Features	Advantages	Limitations	Examples/Brands
Ceramic brackets	Aesthetic, monocrystalline/polycrystalline	Tooth-colored, stain-resistant	Brittle, higher friction	Clarity™, Inspire ICE
Self-ligating brackets (SLBs)	Built-in clip mechanism, passive or active	Lower friction, shorter treatment, fewer visits	Expensive, may cause torque loss	Damon®, Empower®, In-Ovation®
Lingual brackets	Placed on lingual side	Invisible, aesthetic	Technically demanding, tongue discomfort	Incognito™, STb, Brava (Brius)
Nano-coated brackets	Coated with Ag, TiO2, etc.	Antibacterial, reduces plaque/white spots	Potential toxicity, altered bracket surface	AgNP-coated, TiO2-coated
3D-printed brackets	CAD/CAM-based, custom-made	High precision, low-profile, patient-specific	High cost, tech-intensive, long-term data lacking	LightForce™, Insignia™, UBracket
Smart brackets	Embedded sensors, AI-based control	Real-time force monitoring, remote management	Costly, sensor fragility, and biocompatibility	Prototypes, IoDT-enabled systems