Development of a system for automated diagnosis of dental biofilm during fixed orthodontic treatment

• Grant number: 25/08163-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Orthodontics
• Principal Investigator: Diego Patrik Alves Carneiro
• Grantee: Guilherme Anselmo de Sá
• Host Institution: CENTRO UNIVERSITARIO NOSSA SENHORA PATROCINIO/CEUNSP

Abstract

The presence of dental biofilm during fixed orthodontic treatment represents a major clinical challenge associated with an increased risk of dental caries, gingivitis, and other periodontal complications. Traditional plaque detection and quantification methods have limitations, such as subjective assessment and low reproducibility. With the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), new possibilities for the automated and standardized diagnosis of oral alterations through the analysis of clinical images emerge. This project proposes the development of an AI-based system using deep learning algorithms, such as YOLOv8, with the objective of identifying and quantifying dental biofilm in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances. The system will be trained and validated from clinical images obtained with an intraoral camera, integrated with quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) technology, and categorized by standardized clinical criteria. The developed tool is expected to contribute to greater diagnostic accuracy, optimization of clinical monitoring, and prevention of complications associated with poor oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment.