From robotic systems that fully automate instrument sterilization to AI-powered custom metal brackets, the winners of the 2026 AAO Ortho Innovator Award are tackling the specialty's biggest operational challenges. Take a closer look at the five breakthrough technologies recognized this year for advancing clinical care and practice efficiency.
Growth can strengthen an orthodontic practice—but it can also strain it. When patient volume increases without changes to scheduling, staffing, and workflow design, practices may experience what experts call capacity compression. Recognizing the early signs is key to sustaining healthy growth.
Pearl has launched Pearl Voice, an AI assistant that transcribes doctor-patient conversations into structured clinical notes and periodontal charts, aiming to streamline documentation and integrate with dental practice management systems.
A successful orthodontic practice can appear stable—until pressure builds in one overlooked area. When key systems drift out of alignment, the entire structure becomes vulnerable.
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As consolidation accelerates, the “Invisible DSO” model is gaining traction. Chip Fichtner explains how to secure back-office support and capital while retaining clinical autonomy—and how to avoid leaving millions on the table.
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In this episode, Dr Mark Bronsky explores how to maintain clinical autonomy in an increasingly brand-driven marketplace, sharing why orthodontists must ensure their decisions remain grounded in biology and biomechanics rather than marketing hype or commercial algorithms.
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After posting a LinkedIn job ad for a remote licensed dentist, Rooz Khosravi, DMD, PhD, MSD, received more than 200 applicants. He explains why he created the role and what it takes to make this unconventional staffing model work.
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Direct-printed aligners are reaching a tipping point, according to LuxCreo CEO Mike Yang, PhD. New material science and a high-profile partnership are compressing the timeline from future promise to present reality.
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Transitioning to a digital workflow offers an unexpected benefit for orthodontic practices: streamlining staff training. From leveraging AI to generate protocols to tapping into a tech-savvy talent pool, explore how modern tools are redefining onboarding and delegation strategies for a more efficient team.
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Once the domain of expanders and partial braces, early interceptive care is being transformed by clear aligners designed for the unique challenges of mixed dentition.
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A strategic look at when—and how—new competitors emerge in orthodontic markets, and why proactive marketing and referral protection determine whether practices grow or decline.
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Self-etch primers and pre-coated brackets are removing clinical variables to make unscheduled bonding appointments a predictable reality.Â
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