October Headline - What's new in orthodontics?

In September, I attended a seminar that gave me the opportunity to supply input regarding future developments in orthodontics. Being a member of the advisory committee for the largest orthodontic manufacturing company in the world, Ormco, I am able to discuss and participate in some of the new technologies on the horizon in orthodontics.


At our meeting we discussed such things as optical scanners allowing the orthodontist to no longer need impressions. This technology is upon us at the current time; however, some of the scanners are very large and slow. Our hope is that by sizing down the scanners, they can easily be used in the orthodontic office while being comfortable for the patient. Speeding up the process is also one of our goals.


We discussed a new venture between Invisalign and Ormco that may allow for a cooperative treatment of braces with Invisalign treatment in order to treat cases that were inappropriate for Invisalign only in the past. Other orthodontic products evaluated were clear wires with use with ceramic brackets and a new generation of clear braces.


These meeting are always enlightening and entertaining. It’s nice to be able to participate in some of the new treatments and technology in orthodontics before they hit the mainstream market. Just being able to hang out for four days with some of the top orthodontists in the world at these meetings gives me renewed excitement to practice orthodontics in Overland Park.


Dr.Hechler