Class II correction with aligner therapy is difficult, but there is a misunderstanding as to why. It is not difficult to plan treatment and hand out aligners, it is difficult to overcome the psychological barriers to patients wearing elastics when they do not want their orthodontic treatment to show. This difficulty is compounded by the inability to identify in advance which patients will wear elastics from those who will not. This leaves the orthodontist struggling with a patient who will not allow treatment to be completed without fixing the overjet, but who is unwilling to wear elastics to make the correction. Aligner therapy can be made more predictable (and enjoyable) if this dynamic is recognized, appreciated and if we can find ways to work around the trap. This lecture will explain the underpinnings of the psychology around “loss aversion” and present a creative way to correct Class II malocclusions predictably with aligner therapy.

Learning Objectives:

• Comprehend the concept of “loss aversion” and how it impacts patients motivated by dental esthetics.
• Evaluate how loss aversion undermines the use of elastics with clear aligner therapy making Class II correction problematic and unpredictable.
• Gain new clinical techniques and protocols that make correction of Class II malocclusions more predictable with clear aligner therapy.

Join our leading lineup of speakers for an informative panel discussion on full-service aligners, moderated by Dr. Clark Colville, DDS, MS. We will recap significant key takeaways that will afford attendees an opportunity to evaluate the similarities and differences of the leading brands of full-service aligners.

Learning Objectives:

• Attendees will learn the scope of comprehensive case types that are routinely being treated comprehensively with clear aligners.
• The differentiation among the clear aligners will help clinicians determine which aligner system may work best for specific clinical case types.

Dr. Dumore will share his experience with in-house aligner treatment using the uLab workflow. Especially for those who don't believe that in-house aligners can work in their practice, Dr. Dumore will demonstrate how uLab allows for a straighforward workflow that will benefit your patients and your practice. He will also explain how the intuitive tools in the software allow you create your own virtual treatment plans that can be implemented with aligners, braces, or a combination of both. Dr. Dumore will also share information about uLab aligners, fabricated at the company's facility in the US.

In his lecture, Dr. Lin will share with the audience his experiences treating his patients over the past 21 years with aligners (Invisalign, OrthoClear, SureSmile, 3D Smiles, and uLab) in his 3 practices. He will also discuss and review how OSGB and ACO have setup an ultra-efficient and cost-effective digital orthodontic lab for fabrication of all aligners and orthodontic appliances in-house. Their efficient digital workflow systems have given all five doctors the ability to treat all patients with a hybrid solution for treatment with labial, lingual, and aligner combination treatment options. Most importantly, this has led to incredibly happy patients where esthetic treatment is of the utmost importance and with continued year after year growth of their practices!!!

Learning Objectives:

• Integrate 3D printing into your practice.
• Integrate aligner software applications for fabrication of in-house aligners in your practice.
• Manufacture in-house aligners in your practice.

Join our Saturday afternoon lineup of speakers for an informative panel discussion on in-house aligners, moderated by Dr. Bill Gierie, DDS, MS. We will recap significant key takeaways that will afford attendees an opportunity to evaluate the challenges and benefits of providing in-house aligners as a part of their clinical practice.

Learning Objectives:

• Doctors will learn the workflow associated with the production two leading in-house aligner systems.
• Doctors should be able to identify clinical situations that can be treated efficiently and effectively with in-house aligners.

Clear aligner treatment is more than just delivering plastic. The aligners are a force delivery system that now leverages technological advances that improve their efficiency and effectiveness. Beyond the plastic, advancements in software, digital workflows, 3D imaging, 3D printing, machine learning and artificial intelligence are key components to today’s clear aligner systems. In this presentation, Dr. Holliday will review the journey of clear aligner therapy and how an orthodontic practice can successfully implement this technology to improve patient outcomes, the patient experience and practice growth.

Learning Objectives:

• Successfully integrate digital workflows in an orthodontic practice.
• Identify the advances and techniques for predictable clear aligner treatment.
• Implement technology in an efficient and effective way.

Following Dr. Holliday's lecture, join him for an informative Q&A session on technological advances in today’s clear aligner systems, moderated by Dr. Jasmine Gorton, DMD, MS. We will recap significant key takeaways that will afford attendees an opportunity to evaluate and integrate clear aligner technologies in practice.

Learning Objectives:

• Attendees will understand the dynamic growth of the clear aligner technologies in orthodontic treatment.
• Doctors will better understand the impact of digital technology that will shape the future of the profession for the next 10 years.

Join us as General Chair of the Winter Conference Planning Committee, Dr. Clark Colville and AAO President, Dr. Chris Roberts wrap-up the 2021 Winter Conference highlighting key takeaways from the weekend's event. AAO President-Elect, Dr. J. Kendall Dillehay will also share some closing remarks and give you an overview of what we've got planned for the 2022 Winter Conference in Orlando, Florida.