Orthodontic Products Podcast

Orthodontic Products

Introducing the "Orthodontic Products Podcast", a journey into the dynamic realm of orthodontic innovations. Each episode dives into fresh research, transformative technologies, and the methodologies redefining the field. Expert interviews seamlessly blend with in-depth analyses, offering listeners a comprehensive look into the ever-evolving world of orthodontics. This isn't just a podcast—it's a portal to the future of orthodontic practices and breakthroughs.

  1. 16 OCT

    Bringing Direct-Print Aligners In-Office: Lessons from the Early Adopters

    Guest: Jeremy Manuele, DMD, orthodontist, Hamilton & Manuele Orthodontics (Las Vegas) 📌 Episode Overview:In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, host Alison Werner talks with Dr Jeremy Manuele about the move from thermoformed aligners to direct-print aligners and how this shift is changing in-office workflows. He shares how his team integrated direct printing into their daily operations, what design features improve fit and tracking, and how force reactivation can enhance treatment consistency. Manuele also discusses practical challenges—like staining, surface texture, and occasional breakage—and the steps his team takes to address them. For orthodontists exploring whether direct-print aligners make sense for their practice, this conversation offers a clear, experience-based look at both the opportunities and the realities of this new approach. ⏱️ Chapters 00:30 Manuele’s early 3D printing journey 07:25 Direct-print vs thermoformed: what actually changes 10:55 Variable thickness, built-in features, engaging undercuts 17:22 Force reactivation and material behavior 24:00 Managing force decay and overcorrections 29:31 Pros/cons: fewer attachments, staining, surface feel, breakage 46:17 Workflow & team roles in design and post-processing 54:28 Costs and decision-making for adoption 56:25 What’s next for direct-print aligner technology ✅ Key Takeaways: Direct-print aligners represent the next step in 3D printing for orthodontics—offering greater design control and a more customized fit.Understanding how these aligners engage undercuts and maintain consistent force helps clinicians evaluate their clinical potential.Adoption requires a mindset shift: more time spent on digital design and less on physical model production.Listeners will learn how to prepare their team and workflow for direct printing, from software setup to post-processing and patient communication.Manuele shares what to realistically expect in the first months of adoption—common challenges, learning curves, and how to determine when your practice is ready to make the transition.🔗 Links: 👉 Direct-Print Aligner Reactivation Demo — Link to see the short clip showing how heating the aligner in hot water returns it to its original form and active force that Manuele mentions in the podcast. 👤 Guest Bio:Jeremy Manuele, DMD, practices at Hamilton & Manuele Orthodontics, located in Las Vegas. A board-certified orthodontist, he is an early adopter of in-office 3D printing and direct-print aligner technology. Author of The MARPE Advantage, he serves as a part-time instructor at UNLV School of Dental Medicine.  👉 Connect & SubscribePodcast: Apple | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube VISIT ORTHODONTIC PRODUCTS: https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/SUBSCRIBE to THE OP NEWSLETTER: https://info.medqor.com/opsubformINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/orthoproductsmag/FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OrthoProducts/LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortho-products/ Have a question for a future episode? Drop it in the comments or email editor@orthodonticproductsonline.com. #orthodontics  #OrthodonticProducts #3DPrinting #DirectPrintAligners #ClearAligners #InOfficeAligners #DentalPodcast #OrthodonticsPodcast

    1 h y 1 min
  2. 2 OCT

    Inside OSO/DSO Partnerships: Growth, Timelines, and Valuations

    Guests: 🔹 Allison Hale, Practice Consultant and COO, Parks Orthodontics🔹 Ty Ramsey, Mergers & Acquisitions Advisor, Professional Transition Strategies 📌 Episode Overview:In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, host Alison Werner talks with two guests who bring different but complementary perspectives on OSO and DSO partnerships. Allison Hale offers the practice owner’s inside view, sharing how she and her sister navigated the process of affiliating Parks Orthodontics with an OSO—what drove the decision, how they evaluated options, and what changed once the deal was finalized. Ty Ramsey provides the advisor’s perspective, drawing on his experience guiding doctors through valuations, due diligence, and competitive bidding to maximize outcomes. Together, Hale and Ramsey explain what orthodontists need to know before exploring OSO or DSO partnerships, from protecting culture and preserving legacy to understanding growth levers, timelines, and financial impact. ⏱️ Chapters01:22 Why Parks Orthodontics pursued an OSO partnership02:37 What PTS does and how the process works03:35 OSO vs DSO definitions, models, and misconceptions07:48 Market landscape, private equity, and valuations13:33 Preserving legacy and culture in partnerships18:14 Preparing for a transition KPIs, advisors, and due diligence24:39 Evaluating offers and choosing the right fit29:03 Day-one changes HR and accounts payable33:18 Exploring DSO options and practice growth37:30 Timing the market and trailing 12 months41:57 Post-affiliation growth levers and planning ahead48:25 Why mid-career orthodontists may benefit most51:36 Final advice from Hale and Ramsey55:02 Typical timelines from valuation to close ✅ Key Takeaways:🔹 Hear directly from a practice owner who completed an OSO partnership and an advisor who helps doctors evaluate and close deals.🔹 OSOs and DSOs differ widely—understanding activist vs aggregationist models is essential.🔹 Planning early, tracking KPIs, and setting non-negotiables protects both culture and value.🔹 Post-affiliation, practices often see growth through improved pricing, overhead reduction, and new operational support.🔹 Mid-career orthodontists may be in the strongest position to benefit, with legacy and long-term upside both in play. 👤 Guest Bios:Allison Hale is COO at Parks Orthodontics in Yorktown, Va, where she helped lead the practice’s OSO partnership. She also consults with orthodontic practices to streamline operations and prepare for growth or transition. Ty Ramsey is a mergers and acquisitions advisor with Professional Transition Strategies, where he helps orthodontists and other dental specialists evaluate OSO and DSO partnerships and navigate the transition process. 🔗 Links: 🔹 Parks Orthodontics: https://www.parksorthodontics.com/🔹 Professional Transition Strategies: https://professionaltransition.com/ ------------------ 👉 Connect & SubscribePodcast: Apple | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube Like 👍, comment 💬, and subscribe 🔔 for future episodes. VISIT ORTHODONTIC PRODUCTS: https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/ SUBSCRIBE to THE OP NEWSLETTER: https://info.medqor.com/opsubform INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/orthoproductsmag/FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OrthoProducts/LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortho-products/ Have a question for a future episode? Drop it in the comments or email editor@orthodonticproductsonline.com.

    58 min
  3. 18 SEP

    Why Dr Tito Norris Switched Aligner Systems: A Lesson for Orthodontists

    Guest: Dr Robert “Tito” Norris, Orthodontist, Stone Oak Orthodontics 📌 Episode Overview: In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, sponsored by OrthoFX, host Alison Werner talks with Dr Robert “Tito” Norris about why he made the decision to switch from a major aligner system to OrthoFX. Drawing from more than 30 years in practice—and his own experience as a patient—Norris explains the clinical and material science differences he discovered when comparing aligner systems side by side. He shares how super-elastic materials, reduced force levels, and streamlined workflows have changed outcomes for his patients and his practice. For orthodontists questioning whether it’s time to reevaluate their aligner system, Norris offers candid insight into what to consider, what’s at stake, and why patient comfort and clinical predictability should drive decision-making. ⏱️ Chapters 00:03 Introduction to Dr. Tito Norris 01:12 Early experiences with aligners and attachment design 04:26 Why challenging cases led him to explore alternatives 06:26 Comparing three aligner systems side by side 09:06 The patient perspective: treating himself with OrthoFX 09:44 The role of material science in aligner performance 13:39 Super-elastic plastics vs multi-layer materials 16:23 Impact on refinements, attachments, and appointments 17:34 Practice workflow and staff integration 19:53 Why now is the time for orthodontists to reassess aligner systems ✅ Key Takeaways: 🔹 Traditional multi-layer plastics can deliver heavy forces, while OrthoFX’s material mimics nickel-titanium for gentler, more predictable movement. 🔹 In treating himself, Norris achieved his expansion goals with fewer aligners, fewer attachments, and no refinements—an outcome that also benefits patient comfort. 🔹 For practices, fewer refinements and appointments translate into efficiency gains, while studies showing higher effectiveness raise important questions about when to consider switching systems. 🔹 The patient experience improves with lighter forces and less chair time, underscoring how material advances can reshape both outcomes and satisfaction. 🔹 Norris frames the decision as more than a clinical choice—it’s about ethical responsibility to use materials that move teeth effectively while minimizing unnecessary force. 👤 Guest Bio: Robert “Tito” Norris, DDS, is a board-certified orthodontist in private practice at Stone Oak Orthodontics in San Antonio, Tex. A graduate of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School, he completed a general practice residency at the VA hospital in Washington, DC, and his orthodontic specialty training at Howard University. After serving as a U.S. Air Force orthodontist, he returned to San Antonio to open his practice. Norris, who lectures both nationally and internationally, holds several patents and trademarks, and is the inventor of the Norris 20/26 Passive Self-Ligating Bracket System. Sponsor: OrthoFX 👉 Connect & Subscribe Podcast: Apple | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube VISIT ORTHODONTIC PRODUCTS: https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/ SUBSCRIBE to THE OP NEWSLETTER: https://info.medqor.com/opsubform INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/orthoproductsmag/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OrthoProducts/ LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortho-products/ Have a question for a future episode? Drop it in the comments or email editor@orthodonticproductsonline.com. #Orthodontics #OrthodonticProducts #ClearAligners #AlignerTreatment #OrthoFX #DrTitoNorris #Orthodontist #DentalPodcast #AlignerSystems #PatientCare

    24 min
  4. 4 SEP

    AAO President Dr Steven Siegel on the 2025 Economics of Orthodontics Survey

    Guest: Dr Steven Siegel, AAO President 📌 Episode Overview:  In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, host Alison Werner sits down with Dr. Steven Siegel, president of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), to discuss the newly released 2025 Economics of Orthodontics Survey. This in-depth survey takes a closer look at the state of orthodontic practice across the U.S. and Canada, covering patient volumes, treatment trends, practice finances, staffing, and shifting business models. Dr. Siegel shares insights into what the data reveals about opportunities and challenges facing orthodontists today—and how the AAO is working to support its members. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Economics of Orthodontics Survey 02:07 Understanding Patient Volume Trends 05:32 Financial Disparities in Orthodontics 07:16 Addressing Gender and Ethnic Disparities 10:30 Future Investments in Orthodontic Practices 13:45 Consumer Awareness and Patient Acquisition 15:39 Advocacy and Future Directions for Orthodontics Key Takeaways: 🔹 Patient volumes hit record highs in 2024, but many orthodontists still reported not feeling busy enough, reflecting uneven growth across regions. 🔹 Nearly half of orthodontists expect to shift practice modalities within five years, highlighting generational change and evolving career paths. 🔹 Income disparities by gender and ethnicity persist, even after adjusting for variables, prompting new AAO initiatives to address equity. 🔹 Braces are seeing a resurgence over aligners, influenced by social media trends, compliance challenges, and case complexity. 🔹 Younger orthodontists are investing in new offices and digital workflows, signaling optimism and commitment to the profession’s future. Resources Mentioned:  🔗 2025 AAO Economics of Orthodontics Analysis Reporting on 2024 Practice & Patient Statistics  👤  Guest Bio:  Steven M. Siegel, DMD, is the 2025–2026 president of the American Association of Orthodontists. With over 35 years in practice in Glen Burnie, Md, he has also served as longtime faculty at the University of Maryland and worked with the Johns Hopkins Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Team. An AAO trustee since 2016, Siegel has led initiatives in inclusion and engagement. He trained at Tufts and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and began his career in public health and general dentistry. 👉 Connect & Subscribe: Apple | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube Comment 💬, and subscribe 🔔 for future episodes. VISIT ORTHODONTIC PRODUCTS: https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/ SUBSCRIBE to THE OP NEWSLETTER: https://info.medqor.com/opsubform INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/orthoproductsmag/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OrthoProducts/ LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortho-products/ Have a question for a future episode? Drop it in the comments or email editor@orthodonticproductsonline.com. #Orthodontics #AAO #OrthodonticProducts #Orthodontist #DentalPodcast #OrthodonticPractice

    20 min
  5. 24 JUL

    Is Your Website Ready for ChatGPT, Siri, and Google’s AI Overviews? Understanding AEO and GEO

    Guest: Jeff Slater, Vice President of Operations, Kaleidoscope 📌 Episode Overview:Search is changing—and fast. In this episode, Orthodontic Products editor Alison Werner sits down with Jeff Slater of Kaleidoscope to explore how orthodontic practices can stay visible as patients turn to AI tools like ChatGPT, Siri, and Google’s AI Overviews for answers. Building on his recent article for Orthodontic Products, Jeff breaks down the differences between SEO (Search Engine Optimization), AEO (Answer Engine Optimization), and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) and explains what your website must do to remain competitive in today’s search environment. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)02:34 Understanding the Shift in Search Behavior05:33 Optimizing Content for Patient Queries08:32 The Importance of Content Structure and Authority11:29 Technical Foundations for AEO and GEO14:32 Common Mistakes in AEO Implementation17:35 Future-Proofing Your Digital Presence20:43 Conclusion and Contact Information Key Takeaways: What Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is and how it worksHow AEO and GEO differ from traditional SEO strategiesThe importance of Q&A-based content in AI-powered searchWhy mobile performance and site speed now impact search rankingsHow to use subheadings, attribution, and schema markup effectivelyWhy stale content and outdated websites are hurting your visibilityActionable tips to future-proof your orthodontic websiteResources Mentioned:🔗Jeff Slater’s article from the July/August issue of Orthodontic Products: From SEO to AEO: The New Rules of Online Visibility for Orthodontists 👤 Guest Bio & Contact Info:Jeff Slater is the vice president of operations at Kaleidoscope with nearly 15 years of experience in digital marketing for the orthodontic and dental industries. His areas of expertise include SEO, social media, paid search & Internet advertising, Google Business Profiles, location-based marketing, WordPress websites, and online branding. 📧 Email: jeff.slater@thekaleidoscope.com🌐 Website: https://thekaleidoscope.com --- Connect & SubscribePodcast: Apple | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon Music VISIT ORTHODONTIC PRODUCTS: https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/ SUBSCRIBE to THE OP NEWSLETTER: https://info.medqor.com/opsubform INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/orthoproductsmag/FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OrthoProducts/LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortho-products/Have a question for a future episode? Drop it in the comments or email editor@orthodonticproductsonline.com.

    28 min
  6. 10 JUL

    Mapping Team Dynamics with DISC: Insights for the Orthodontic Team

    Guest: Cassie Kellner, Founder and Owner of Everbloom Episode Overview:In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, host Alison Werner is joined by consultant Cassie Kellner to explore how the DISC behavioral assessment can be used to build more cohesive orthodontic teams. Cassie breaks down the four DISC personality types—Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness—and shares how these insights can help teams understand one another, reduce conflict, and collaborate more effectively. Whether you're launching a startup or managing a long-established practice, DISC offers actionable strategies to strengthen culture and communication. Chapters:00:00 Introduction to DISC and Team Dynamics04:09 Understanding DISC Assessment and Its Categories09:11 The Benefits of DISC for Teams13:24 Applying DISC in Startups vs Established Practices16:36 Building a Thriving Team Culture with DISC Key Takeaways:🔹 DISC is a behavior assessment tool that categorizes individuals into four types: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness.🔹 Understanding DISC can help teams connect on a deeper level and improve workplace dynamics.🔹 The assessment provides a fun and engaging way for teams to learn about each other.🔹 Teams of all sizes can benefit from DISC, whether they are new or established.🔹 DISC helps identify individual motivators and stressors, enhancing communication.🔹 The tool fosters a safe space for team members to express their needs and preferences.🔹 Using DISC can lead to a more well-rounded team with diverse strengths.🔹 Strategies provided by DISC help individuals work effectively with different personality types.🔹 Building a thriving team culture starts with understanding and valuing each team member. Resources Mentioned: 📌 Everbloom Culture Building Workshops: https://www.discovereverbloom.com/discworkshop Guest Bio and Contact Info:Cassie Kellner is the founder of Everbloom, an orthodontic consulting firm focused on team culture, leadership development, and emotional intelligence. With over two decades of experience in orthodontics—from front-line team member to consultant and coach—Cassie helps practices unlock their people potential. Learn more at https://www.discovereverbloom.com -----------------------------------Connect & SubscribePodcast: Apple | Spotify | Google Podcasts YouTube: Like 👍, comment 💬, and subscribe 🔔 for future episodes. VISIT ORTHODONTIC PRODUCTS: https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/ SUBSCRIBE to THE OP NEWSLETTER: https://info.medqor.com/opsubform INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/orthoproductsmag/FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OrthoProducts/LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortho-products/Have a question for a future episode? Drop it in the comments or email editor@orthodonticproductsonline.com.

    19 min
  7. 26 JUN

    Are Your OSHA and Infection Prevention Systems Up to Date—Or Just Handed Down?

    Guests: Andrea Cook and Jackie Dorst Episode Overview:Orthodontic consultants Andrea Cook and Jackie Dorst, RDH, BS, join host Alison Werner to explain how misinformation—and simple habit—can derail OSHA and infection-control compliance in an orthodontic practice. They outline the real-world risks (from six-figure fines to failure to attract great new hires), identify reliable sources for up-to-date guidance, and spell out who should own compliance in the office. Chapters:00:03 Why “hand-me-down” protocols put practices at risk04:40 Common misinformation hot spots (Facebook groups, vendor advice)10:50 Summer hires & the dangers of “just doing sterilization” without training12:30 Credible resources: AAO Staff Club & Ask ADS AI tool16:55 What the CDC Oral Health Division closure doesn’t change22:35 Top three compliance questions Andrea & Jackie hear most24:00 Dental unit water-line shocks & testing—new state rules in Florida and Georgia30:15 Financial penalties: $16,000 per OSHA infraction; up to $165k/day for willful violations38:20 Who should manage OSHA & infection prevention—and how to empower them42:00 How strong protocols help attract (and keep) quality team members Key Takeaways: Misinformation is common—practices must rely on verified, non-commercial sources for OSHA and infection control guidance.Compliance impacts perception—patients and prospective staff notice when safety standards fall short.Outdated habits aren’t enough—what worked in a previous office may no longer meet today’s regulatory requirements.Leadership matters: The doctor sets the tone; a dedicated, well-trained coordinator enforces it.Resources Mentioned: 💠 AAO Staff Club (annual OSHA & infection-control CE): https://www2.aaoinfo.org/aao-for/staff/💠 Association for Dental Safety's Ask ADS site (a free AI beta for evidence-based answers): https://www.myads.org/ask-ads💠 CDC Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Settings: https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol💠 Andrea Cook’s OSHA Inspection & CDC Infection Prevention Compliance Checklists: https://www.andreacookconsulting.com/forms-downloads Guest Bios and Contact Info:Andrea Cook is a clinical consultant specializing in OSHA compliance, infection-control protocols, and sterilization-room design. Also guides practices on clinical efficiency, workflow development, and technology adoption.🔗 Website & free checklists: andreacookconsulting.com Jackie Dorst, RDH, BS, is a microbiologist and dental hygienist with 30+ years of lecturing and consulting on instrument sterilization, infection prevention, and OSHA safety. Frequent AAO speaker and contributor to Orthodontic Products.📧 safepract@gmail.com | 📱 +1 949-842-1747 | 🔗 https://jackiedorst.com/ Connect & SubscribePodcast: Apple | Spotify | Google Podcasts YouTube: Like 👍, comment 💬, and subscribe 🔔 for future episodes. VISIT ORTHODONTIC PRODUCTS: https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/ SUBSCRIBE to THE OP NEWSLETTER: https://info.medqor.com/opsubform INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/orthoproductsmag/FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OrthoProducts/LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortho-products/ Have a question for a future episode? Drop it in the comments or email editor@orthodonticproductsonline.com.

    44 min
  8. 12 JUN

    Invisalign Trademark Crackdown: What It Means for Your Orthodontic Practice Marketing

    Guest: Mary Kay Miller, CEO and owner Kaleidoscope Description:Align Technology is cracking down on the use of its Invisalign trademark—and orthodontic practices need to pay attention. In this episode, Orthodontic Products Editor-in-Chief Alison Werner sits down with orthodontic marketing expert Mary Kay Miller to explain what this enforcement means for your website, social media, ads, and printed materials. Whether you're actively offering Invisalign, transitioning to another aligner brand, or just launching your practice, this episode breaks down what you can and cannot do when it comes to using the Invisalign name. Miller walks through real-world examples of what practices have faced, the SEO impact of removing trademarked content, and how to restructure your digital presence without losing visibility. 👉 Topics Covered:00:00 Introduction to Invisalign Compliance02:10 Understanding Trademark and Licensing Issues05:52 Align Technology's Legal Actions Explained10:19 SEO Implications of Trademark Compliance15:00 Best Practices for Orthodontic Practices20:08 Advice for New Practices23:22 Utilizing Reviews for SEO ✅ Key Takeaways: Only active Invisalign providers can use the brand name in marketingCompliance requires updates to SEO, URLs, images, and morePatient reviews mentioning Invisalign are allowed and support local search 💠 Contact Mary Kay Miller at mk.miller@thekaleidoscope.com🌐 Learn more: https://thekaleidoscope.com 👍 Like this video if it helped💬 Drop your questions in the comments🔔 Subscribe for more orthodontic practice insights #Invisalign #Orthodontics #DigitalMarketing #OrthodonticMarketing #TrademarkCompliance #AlignTechnology #ClearAligners #Orthodontist #seo ----------------------------------------- 📌 Available on all major podcast platforms! ----------------------------------------- VISIT ORTHODONTIC PRODUCTS: https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/ SUBSCRIBE to THE OP NEWSLETTER: https://info.medqor.com/opsubform INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/orthoproductsmag/FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OrthoProducts/LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortho-products/

    26 min

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Introducing the "Orthodontic Products Podcast", a journey into the dynamic realm of orthodontic innovations. Each episode dives into fresh research, transformative technologies, and the methodologies redefining the field. Expert interviews seamlessly blend with in-depth analyses, offering listeners a comprehensive look into the ever-evolving world of orthodontics. This isn't just a podcast—it's a portal to the future of orthodontic practices and breakthroughs.

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