## 4 Discussion  
This study addressed several literature gaps related to the impact of SMFs on OTM. The review provides an updated and comprehensive synthesis of the available evidence on the effects of SMFs on OTM, which was lacking in the current literature. This allowed for a more robust and reliable assessment of the impact of SMFs on OTM. Furthermore, the review evaluated the effect of SMFs on different types of orthodontic appliances, including coil springs and orthodontic appliances with magnets attached. This helped to address a gap in the literature, which lacked evidence on the impact of SMFs on different types of appliances used in orthodontic treatment. Moreover, the review assessed the impact of SMFs on OTM at different time points, ranging from 2 weeks to 10 days, which helped to provide a more complete understanding of the duration of SMF exposure required to achieve significant OTM. The review explored the impact of SMFs on different types of teeth, including central incisors and molars, thereby filling a gap in the literature, which lacked evidence on the impact of SMFs on different types of teeth. As orthodontists aim to achieve controlled and predictable tooth movement in their patients, the knowledge of SMF's potential influence on OTM can be valuable in treatment planning. Incorporating this information into clinical practice, orthodontists may consider assessing the presence of external static magnetic fields in their patients' environments and take them into account during treatment planning. Patients who are frequently exposed to SMF, either through everyday activities or the use of magnetic devices, may experience slower orthodontic tooth movement compared to those with minimal or no exposure. Therefore, understanding the impact of SMF on OTM can help clinicians set realistic treatment expectations and tailor treatment strategies accordingly. Orthodontists may also consider adopting magnetic field shielding techniques or devising alternative treatment plans for patients exposed to strong magnetic fields. Minimising the effects of SMF during orthodontic treatment can help to optimise treatment outcomes and potentially reduce treatment duration. Furthermore, these findings highlight the importance of conducting further research, including well-designed clinical studies, to validate the effects of SMF on OTM in human subjects. As animal-based studies may not fully capture the complexities of human orthodontic responses, translating these findings into human clinical practice requires additional investigations. Conducting controlled clinical trials and longitudinal studies can provide more robust evidence to guide orthodontists in their decision making regarding SMF exposure and its potential implications on orthodontic treatment. Ultimately, the review identified several methodological limitations in the current literature, including small sample sizes and inadequate blinding, which need to be addressed in future research. The study's results show that SMF has a noticeable impact on orthodontic tooth movement, with a pooled odds ratio of 0.58 [0.40, 0.86] indicating a statistically significant reduction in the time required for tooth movement when SMF is used. These findings have significant implications for orthodontic practice. We believe that future studies can build on the findings of this meta-analysis and further explore the underlying mechanisms of SMF on orthodontic tooth movement. This includes investigating the effects of different SMF parameters such as field strength, frequency, and exposure duration, as well as understanding the effects of SMF on bone remodelling and the orthodontic force system. Additionally, further studies are needed to determine the optimal application of SMF in orthodontic treatment and its effectiveness in different patient populations, including those with varying age, gender, and dental conditions. SMF has also been studied for its potential therapeutic effects in various medical conditions.