Gamification of Orthodontic Treatment with Personalised Facemasks: Enhancing Patient Compliance Through Playful Engagement

Class III malocclusions, a dentofacial deformity requiring early intervention, pose significant challenges due to the need for prolonged use of facemasks by young patients. The SuperPowerMe project aims to improve compliance with the orthodontic treatment by integrating personalised, sensor-equipped facemasks with gamification. Through a design thinking process, the facemasks were custom-fitted using 3D facial scanning and 3D-printed with biocompatible materials to ensure comfort and ergonomic fit. Sensors embedded in the mask monitored wear time, and data collected were used to engage children in a video game allowing children to progress through game challenges as they complied with the treatment. Observational studies were conducted, evaluating patients’ adherence and comfort levels. The results indicated a substantial increase in daily wear time and patient satisfaction, with self-reported compliance closely matching sensor data. The personalised design and gamified elements fostered higher patient autonomy over the treatment period, although minor technical issues with the facemasks were noted. In conclusion, the results suggest that gamification paired with custom devices holds promise as a strategy for improving adherence to long-term orthodontic treatments in children. Further refinement of the system and broader trials are promoted to fully validate the efficacy of therapy gamification.