Welcome to The Golden Age of Orthodontics, the podcast that keeps orthodontists ahead of the curve in innovation and patient care. Join hosts Dr. Leon Klempner and Amy Epstein as they explore groundbreaking advancements shaping the future of orthodontics. In today’s episode, they welcome Dr. Neil Warshawsky, founder of Get It Straight Orthodontics, to discuss the transformative impact of direct 3D printing and digital workflows. Together, they delve into the revolutionary changes brought by this technology, from producing pre-polished clear aligners and nightguards to the role of teledentistry in enhancing patient care. The discussion highlights the environmental necessity of reducing waste through direct printing and recycling practices. There has never been a better time to be an orthodontist.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [5:20] Dr. Neil shares his background and contributions to orthodontics
• [7:11] Exploring the new wave of direct printing technology
• [17:06] Predictions for the future of aligners and direct printing versus thermoforming
• [24:33] The benefits of Ortho FX nighttime aligners
• [31:14] The role of teledentistry and the importance of patient comfort

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Revolutionary 3D printing has transformed orthodontics by producing clear aligners and nightguards with pre-polished surfaces, streamlining the process and reducing waste compared to traditional thermoforming methods.
• The daily production of millions of non-recyclable aligner models highlights the need for sustainable practices, such as direct printing and recycling initiatives, to minimize environmental impact.
• Customization and patient-centered approaches in orthodontics are essential for achieving better outcomes. Leveraging innovative technology like teledentistry and custom-made appliances addresses diverse patient needs, including those with special requirements. Consistency and comfort are key factors for success with aligner therapy.

RESOURCE LINKS

People + Practice - Website

Leon - Email

Amy - Email

People + Practice - Email

Dr. Neal - Email

Dr. Neal - LinkedIn

Welcome to The Golden Age of Orthodontics, the podcast that keeps orthodontists ahead of the curve in innovation and patient care. In today’s episode, hosts Dr. Leon Klempner and Amy Epstein are joined by Jose Hogan, President and CEO of Align Technology They delve into how Align is reshaping the future of orthodontics with breakthrough technologies and digital solutions. Joe shares insights on how orthodontists can embrace the digital shift, addressing the challenges and benefits of transitioning to digital workflows. From AI and 3D printing advancements to reducing treatment times and minimizing office visits, this conversation looks into the transformative power of digital orthodontics and Align’s ongoing commitment to supporting orthodontic practices worldwide. Tune in to learn how these innovations reshape patient care and practice efficiency in the orthodontic industry. Remember, there has never been a better time to be an orthodontist.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [4:40] Joe Hogan explains how Align Technology supports orthodontists
• [10:24] Joe predicts digital trends and advancements for 2025
• [14:20] Joe is hopeful that a stronger economy will be favorable to orthodontists
• [18:47] Joe addresses concerns from the orthodontist community
• [25:09] Why are so many orthodontists still using brackets and wires rather than Aligner Therapy

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Under Joe Hogan's leadership, Align Technology invests over $350 million annually in digital orthodontics, focusing on groundbreaking tools like ClinCheck and 3D controls tailored for orthodontists. Despite serving general dentists, Align Technology remains committed to innovation and partnerships within the orthodontic community.
• Joe Hogan highlights three innovations shaping orthodontics: the iTero Lumina scanner for faster, precise imaging, the five-minute ClinCheck for touchless digital workflows, and 3D printing as a breakthrough in aligner manufacturing. These advancements set Align Technology apart, focusing on groundbreaking platforms rather than incremental changes.
• Despite aligners handling 95-100% of orthodontic cases, widespread adoption could be improved by the workflow transformation required for digital integration. Joe Hogan highlights the efficiency gains of aligners—reduced treatment time, fewer visits, and scalability—while acknowledging the challenges for orthodontists in retraining staff and adapting to a digital-first approach. This shift demands commitment from practitioners.

RESOURCE LINKS

People + Practice - Website

Leon - Email

Amy - Email

People + Practice - Email

Align Technology - Website

BIOGRAPHY:

Joseph Hogan, President and CEO of Align Technology, has led the company to significant financial success over the past eight years. With extensive leadership experience from ABB and GE Healthcare, where he increased revenues by 25% and doubled them from $7 billion to $16 billion, Hogan brings a wealth of expertise in business strategy, market development, and operational management.

In this episode of The Golden Age of Orthodontics Podcast, Dr. Leon Klempner and Amy Epstein are joined by Dr. Shankar Rengasamy Venugopalan, Chair of the Department of Orthodontics at Tufts University. Together, they discuss the transformative impact of AI on orthodontics and digital treatment plans. They’ll explore AI's role in treatment planning, emphasizing the need for transparency in AI algorithms and the importance of orthodontists' clinical judgment, as well as some of the limitations of AI. Dr. Venugopalan highlights the biological factors influencing tooth movement and reassures that AI cannot replace human expertise and patient-doctor relationship. Now is the time for orthodontists to embrace, rather than fear, technological advancements to enhance patient care through innovative approaches.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [3:30] Meet Dr. Venugopalan's background and expertise in orthodontics and AI
• [5:09] Precision medicine and its relevance in orthodontics
• [10:34] Dr. Venugopalan gives an overview of AI applications in diagnosis and treatment planning in orthodontics. Insights into the current state of AI research and its clinical applications.
• [19:12] The potential for integrating genomics and multi-modal data in orthodontic treatment. Plus, a discussion on the limitations and challenges associated with AI in orthodontics.
• [28:24] Will AI replace the need for orthodontists or serve as a supportive tool in treatment planning?
• [33:26] It is important to consider the patient’s biology in treatment outcomes and the inherent limitations of AI tools in this regard
• [38:21] Dr. Venugopalan encourages the development of holistic clinical knowledge beyond just biomechanics in orthodontics and expresses hope for the integration of AI in improving patient outcomes.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• AI is currently being applied in various aspects of clinical orthodontic practice, from diagnosis to treatment monitoring. These applications not only streamline clinical workflows but also enhance the quality of care provided to patients.
• Despite its potential, AI in orthodontics faces several challenges and limitations. One major concern is the quality and diversity of data used to train AI models, as biased or incomplete datasets can lead to inaccurate predictions. Additionally, the integration of AI into clinical practice requires significant investment in technology and training, which may be a barrier for some practices.
• While technology offers numerous benefits, it is essential for orthodontists to maintain their clinical judgment and expertise. Technology should be viewed as a tool that enhances, rather than replaces, the orthodontist's skills and knowledge. As technology continues to advance, the role of orthodontists is evolving to encompass new skills and responsibilities. In the future, orthodontists will need to be proficient in digital tools and data analysis to effectively incorporate technology into their practice. They will also play a crucial role in interpreting AI-generated insights and integrating them into personalized treatment plans.
• As the field becomes more tech-driven, orthodontists will have the opportunity to enhance patient care through innovative approaches, while also navigating the ethical and practical challenges that come with technological integration.

RESOURCE LINKS

People + Practice - Website

Dr. Leon - Email

Amy - Email

People + Practice - Email