Zeeno Robotics was recognized for its automated sterilization system and Celebrace for its AI-driven bracket prescription platform.
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) has named the winners of its 2026 Ortho Innovator Awards. Zeeno Robotics received the Emerging Innovation Award for its Zeeno Sterile system, and Celebrace won the Market Impact Innovation Award for its AI-designed orthodontic system. The awards program featured two categories this year to recognize innovations at different stages of development and market adoption.
Zeeno Sterile Recognized for Emerging Innovation
Zeeno Sterile is a robotic system designed to automate the instrument sterilization process in orthodontic practices. The system manages contaminated instrument cassettes through ultra-sonic cleaning, rinsing, wrapping, and auto-clave sterilization without manual handling.
Developed by Dr Marc Lemchen, Todd Blankenbecler, and Chester Wang, the system aims to reduce staff exposure, support compliance, and allow staff to focus more on patient care. Zeeno Sterile is currently in development and is expected to be placed in pilot practices in the latter half of 2026.
Celebrace Awarded for Market Impact
Celebrace, developed by Dr Mehdi Peikar, received the Market Impact award for its orthodontic system that uses artificial intelligence to create patient-specific metal bracket prescriptions. The platform’s AI algorithms calculate the ideal tip, torque, in-out, and force systems for each tooth based on the clinician’s treatment plan, and custom brackets are then manufactured to match.
The system is designed to improve clinical precision and reduce manual adjustments while keeping the clinician in control of treatment. Celebrace is in clinical use and has been used to treat hundreds of patients.
Selection Process and Honorable Mentions
The AAO Committee on Technology (CTech) reviewed 24 entries for the Emerging Innovation category and 11 entries for the Market Impact category. CTech judges evaluate entries based on uniqueness, originality, functionality, feasibility, and value to an orthodontic practice.
The committee also announced honorable mentions in each category:
- Dr Neil Warshawsky received an honorable mention in the Emerging Innovation category for the Casper Class II Correction System.
- Dr Julianna Parizotto received an honorable mention in the Emerging Innovation category for Fry-to-Fab Biodegradable 3D Printing Resin for Orthodontic Models.
- Dr Brandon Owen received an honorable mention in the Market Impact Innovation category for the Owen Tripod Splint.
Award Presentation at 2026 Annual Session
The winners and finalists will be featured in an exhibit at the Innovation Pavilion in the Exhibit Hall during the 2026 AAO Annual Session in Orlando. Drs Lemchen and Peikar will receive their awards on Saturday, May 2, at 4:30 pm in the Exhibit Hall of the Orange County Convention Center.
Photo: ID 151452498 © Kasto80 | Dreamstime.com
