Research

Since 2020, we have explored the scaffolds for bone regeneration, the application of artificial intelligence in orthodontics, and virtual reality applications in orthodontic education.

Artificial Intelligence

Developing an automated interceptive orthodontic diagnostic and treatment planning model using Natural Language Processing (NLP).

• This is a collaborative research project with Dr. Jay Patel, who is a Co-Investigator in this research. He is the Director of Dental Informatics and is the Human Intelligence behind this project.
• Developing a Natural Language Processing model for the diagnosis and prediction of the prognosis of interactive orthodontic cases. This study investigates the effectiveness of interceptive orthodontic treatment (Phase I) in children with malocclusion.
• By leveraging electronic health records (EHR) and advanced Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques, we aim to develop predictive models to identify key factors influencing treatment outcomes and optimize orthodontic intervention strategies.
• We will analyze EHR data from 2005 to 2023 to assess the prevalence and types of malocclusion in children and adolescents. Additionally, we will create and validate an NLP application to extract relevant clinical information from orthodontic notes and use machine learning (ML) techniques to determine the optimal timing and approach for interceptive treatment.
• The study will also evaluate the clinical implications of early versus delayed orthodontic treatment on patient outcomes and quality of life. The findings will have significant clinical implications for orthodontic practice.
• Identifying the optimal approach and timing for interceptive treatment will improve patient outcomes, reduce the burden of severe malocclusion, and enhance the quality of life for affected children.
• Predictive models will equip clinicians with valuable tools to personalize treatment plans and make informed decisions about early intervention. This is collaborative research with Temple University.
• This research is funded by the 2025 Biomedical Research Award of $40,000 from the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation.

Virtual Reality Program for Orthodontic Biomechanics

• Dr. Karanth, in collaboration with Justin Gast, a skilled game developer, developed an elaborate virtual reality technology program, an immersive educational tool that helps students and practitioners visualize complex orthodontic biomechanics concepts and treatment scenarios, ultimately improving patient care and educational outcomes. This technology has been licensed as “BioMech Sim Pro.” Justin Gast is a Co-Founder @Gnome Cap Games and a current VR Professor at Ringling College, worked on this project for two years. Development was carried out using Blender and Unity, with the Meta Quest 3 headset deployed to provide an immersive learning experience. We have completed the three modules, which feature many highly immersive scenarios on biomechanics in orthodontics, marking the first resource of its kind in orthodontics. This VR platform offers interactive modules for a comprehensive understanding of orthodontic biomechanics. This initiative was funded by the James A. McNamara Orthodontic Faculty Fellowship Award from the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation (AAOF), part of the $30,000 award. Dr. Karanth is currently conducting a study to compare the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) in teaching orthodontic biomechanics in collaboration with Dr. Bojan K. Lazarevic from the College of Education. He is also affiliated to School of Teaching and Learning and Institute for Advanced Learning Technologies.
• We are further developing “BioMech Sim Pro”. We are adding more modules on biomechanics. Savannah Akus, a VR Programmer, is currently working on this development.

QuantRoot – Detecting & Quantifying the Root Resorption

• Dr Karanth, in collaboration with Research Computing – University of Florida, Ying Zhang, Yunchao Yang, Senior Research Software Engineer, Harshitha Velpula and Prapti Akolkar, has developed and licensed a technology to diagnose and quantify root resorption before or during orthodontic treatment. This software is licensed as QuantRoot. QuantRoot can analyze segmented cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images to detect and quantify root resorption in terms of volume loss for the first time. By automating the detection process, QuantRoot provides orthodontists with a reliable tool for early diagnosis of root resorption, allowing for timely intervention to prevent further damage.
• In Collaboration with Dr. Mateus Rocha, Clinical Associate Professor & Director, Center for Dental Biomaterials, the Machine Learning program was developed to classify the severity of the resorption. Ortho Innovation Lab acknowledges the tireless number of hours of hard work put in by our lab alumni, Dr. Samantha Montoya (Orthodontic Resident), and Josue Botello-Escalante.

Machine Learning Technology for Skeletal Maturity Assessment

• Accurate evaluation of skeletal maturity is essential for effective orthodontic treatment planning, particularly in growing patients. Based on the cephalograms provided by the AAOF’s legacy collection, an AI tool was developed in collaboration with this project to create a predictive model for assessing skeletal maturity using machine learning techniques. The model was designed to enhance the precision of these assessments, enabling clinicians to make better-informed decisions regarding the timing and selection of treatment strategies.
• This was a collaborative work between Ortho-Innovation lab and the UF’s Artificial Intelligence scientist, Dr. Wei Shao, Assistant Professor, Department: MD-MED Quantitative Health, UF College of Medicine.

Bone Regeneration

• This Research is a collaboration between Dr. Holliday and me from the Department of Orthodontics and Dr. Yong Huang, Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Materials Science and Engineering. Dr. Huang and Dr. Holliday’s several years of hardwork led to the development of 3D-bioprinted resorbable bone-mimicking scaffolds using isolated collagen and nanometer-sized bone particles.
• In a past research project, D. Karanth and Dr. David Puleo, a biomedical scientist at the University of Kentucky, successfully developed a custom-fabricated piezoelectric biodegradable PLLA scaffold for bone regeneration using 3D printing, which is intended to fill bone defects in the craniofacial region. Dr. Puleo is the current Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at The University of Alabama in Huntsville.