AAO Winter 2025 - Conference Archives

Idiopathic enamel (molar) hypomineralization can affect any tooth but most commonly affects first permanent molars, second primary molars and second permanent molars—strategic teeth to both orthodontists and pediatric dentists. With a prevalence approximating 20%, any dentist who treats children has encountered molar hypomineralization. Many have not recognized it as molar hypomineralization and tried to treat it, perhaps unsuccessfully, using techniques intended for managing dental caries. Others have recognized it as molar hypomineralization and treated it accordingly but were surprised by late unanticipated outcomes. Undergraduate or postgraduate dental education has not prepared orthodontists or pediatric dentists to recognize nor manage the common clinical finding of molar hypomineralization. This presentation will review the current knowledge regarding prevalence, presentation patterns and pathophysiology of molar hypomineralization, current best practices for management and an organized plan for curing this challenging condition.

This presentation will discuss the impact of fixed orthodontic appliances and clear aligners on the oral microbiome of orthodontic patients. A summary of the current diagnosis and treatment strategy for white spot lesions will also be discussed, including clinical strategies from pediatric dentistry perspectives.

This presentation will address the critical issue of enamel homeostasis disturbances in achieving high-quality orthodontic outcomes. It highlights state-of-the-art biomaterials used for preventing, managing, and treating white spot lesions (WSLs) through comprehensive workflows guiding clinicians before, during, and after treatment. Despite various efforts, standardized guidelines for WSL management remain elusive. By integrating evidence-based clinical data, this review provides systematic flowcharts for clinical decision-making. Additionally, the presentation collates best practices and outlines protocols for managing molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH), ensuring clinicians are equipped with clear, impactful protocols for optimal patient care and outcomes.

Rates of depression and anxiety have increased in recent years among children and adolescents. These mental health difficulties are distressing and impairing for pediatric patients and their caregivers, and they represent a growing focus and challenge for dentists providing person-centered care. This presentation will introduce attendees to foundational concepts in pediatric mental health and will review practice-related and interprofessional considerations. The presentation will also review relevant considerations for behavior guidance in the context of pediatric mental health.

Young patients and patients with special healthcare needs often require more deliberate behavior guidance to achieve optimal outcomes. This presentation will provide a brief overview of the developmental stages where patients may need orthodontic treatment and have behavioral challenges. The presentation will focus on evidence-based, clinically applicable techniques to shape patient behavior. Participants will learn skills that they will be able to apply immediately in their clinical practices.

This panel discussion will allow attendees to engage the morning's lineup of speakers with questions covering key issues in pediatric and orthodontic dentistry, focusing on both clinical and behavioral aspects.

This presentation provides dental professionals with essential knowledge and skills for early identification and effective management of patients presenting with various dental anomalies, including multiple missing teeth, transposition, and short root anomalies. Topics include the epidemiology of these conditions, precise definitions, and their classification. The discussion extends to early orthodontic interventions, strategic space management, and a comprehensive exploration of a multidisciplinary approach. Treatment plan alternatives are considered, with insights from both successful and challenging case series outcomes. Emphasis is placed on understanding the complexities of these dental conditions and developing effective treatment strategies that optimize oral health, function, and esthetics.

The different diagnostic and management aspects of ectopic eruption will be described with a detailed three-dimensional approach. This problem can affect almost every tooth in the mouth during craniofacial growth and development. Examples of impacted incisors and canines, ectopic premolars, submerged deciduous teeth, permanent molar crowding, mesioangulated ectopically positioned molars affecting the deciduous second molars, among others, will be covered. The importance of early versus late diagnosis and its correlation with treatment severity and consequent complexity will be presented throughout different clinical situations. Long-term follow-up based on photographic records of every session will enable the audience to see how these cases evolve from deciduous to permanent dentition. Success and failure scenarios will also be shared with the audience.

Serial extraction involves a timed extraction of primary and, ultimately, permanent teeth to relieve severe crowding. It allows the teeth to erupt over the alveolus and through keratinized tissue, rather than being displaced buccally or lingually. However, for serial extraction a proper diagnosis and patient selection is the key to achieve successful results. This presentation will review the literature and discuss the indication and contraindication of serial extraction. In addition, serial extraction on clinical cases will be presented.

This panel discussion will allow attendees to engage the afternoon's lineup of speakers with questions to further explore key topics in handling complex dental issues such as identifying and treating dental anomalies like missing teeth and transposition, ectopic eruption, and serial extraction. The discussion aims to equip attendees with practical knowledge and strategies for improving patient care in these challenging areas.

The AAO recommends an orthodontic screening by age 7 and many orthodontists provide early treatment for young children. This presentation will review common problems often addressed with early orthodontic treatment and review the state of the evidence for starting correction in the mixed dentition.

Learn strategies to gain new patients and grow your practice. Applying these marketing principals will help you to achieve your practice goals. Join us to master an organized approach to effective dental marketing which includes patients, professional relationships, and community.

This presentation will offer an in-depth exploration of pacifier use and its impact on oral development. Participants will gain a thorough understanding of the various types of pacifiers, including orthodontic, cherry, symmetrical round, and WubbaNub plush animal pacifiers. Key topics will cover: • Pacifiers: The Bulb and The Shield - Learn about the different designs and their specific features, focusing on how each type affects dental and oral health. • Importance of Maintaining Palatal Width - Understand the crucial role of maintaining the transverse dimension of the palate. This section highlights the importance of breastfeeding and appropriate pacifier sizing in supporting healthy palatal development. • Biometric Sizing of Pacifiers - Delve into the science behind biometric sizing and how it supports the palate, referencing policies and engineering studies from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). Learn why chronological age should not be used as a metric for pacifier sizing. • New Technology: Pacified® Smartphone Application - Discover the latest in pacifier technology with the Pacified® app, available on Apple and Google Stores. The app uses a science-based algorithm to recommend the appropriate biometric stage of pacifier based on a facial photo. • Airway and Free Movement of the Mandible - Explore the impact of pacifier shield design on airway function and mandibular movement. This section will address concerns, particularly for retrognathic growers, about the restrictive nature of pacifier shields. • The Fallacy of Open Bite Concerns - Investigate the misconceptions surrounding the primary concern of open bite caused by pacifier use and learn about the actual risks and preventative measures. This presentation is essential for dental professionals who are seeking evidence-based information on pacifier use and its effects on early oral development. Participants will be equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions and recommendations for pacifier use that support optimal oral health in infants and young children.

Join us for an interactive discussion with the morning's lineup speakers on important topics in early intervention and growing your dental practice. We'll discuss the benefits and considerations of early orthodontic treatment for children as well as practical strategies for attracting new patients and building your practice.

Currently, many Class II treatment options are available for growing patients. However, the decision-making process has been mainly based on clinicians’ experience, personal preference, and success rate. In this presentation, we will review the Class II differential diagnosis, treatment timing, various treatment approaches, long-term results, and comparison among different treatment options.