Digital orthodontics is transforming the specialty, and in this episode of the Golden Age of Orthodontics, hosts Dr. Leon Klempner and Amy Epstein sit down with Align Technology CEO Joe Hogan to explore what's next for orthodontics. Joe Hogan discusses 3D printed aligners, AI in orthodontics, and how clear aligner technology continues to evolve. He addresses pricing concerns and competitive positioning, and reveals Align's roadmap for direct printing, promising greater design flexibility and efficiency. Learn how AI technology enhances orthodontic treatment planning and discover why Hogan believes technology will expand—not replace—the orthodontic profession.

What you will Learn in this Episode:

✅ How digital orthodontics and 3D printing technology are revolutionizing aligner manufacturing, with Align's development of variable wall thickness aligners that mimic the orthodontic digital workflow advantages of traditional brackets while reducing waste by 95%.

✅ The strategic reasons behind Invisalign cost comparison with competitors, including how comprehensive aligner treatment pricing differs globally.

✅ Why orthodontic IP protection matters for innovation, and how Align's billion-dollar investment in ClinCheck software and iTero scanner technology creates efficiency tools that reduce weekend treatment planning time for practitioners.

✅ Joe Hogan's perspective on AI in orthodontics and whether technology will replace orthodontists—plus how orthodontic practice efficiency improvements will actually expand the marketplace and enhance the profession rather than diminish it.

Subscribe to the Golden Age of Orthodontics and our sister podcast, Practice Talk, hosted by Lacie Ellis, wherever you listen to stay updated on orthodontic innovation and real-world practice strategies. Visit People in Practice for more insights and to connect with our team for practice growth solutions.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Joe Hogan, Align Technology CEO, discussing the future of digital orthodontics and clear aligner technology innovation

07:18 Align's strategic focus on clear aligner therapy versus custom digital braces, and addressing the resurgence of brackets among younger patients

10:25 Joe defends Align’s IP, noting decades of innovation and significant R&D investment

13:36 Invisalign cost comparison explained: why US pricing differs from international markets, new flexible comprehensive aligner treatment options and marketing questions

22:56 Direct 3D printed aligners roadmap: CubiCure acquisition, bio-based resin development, variable wall thickness advantages, and orthodontic practice efficiency gains

28:58 AI in orthodontics and the future of the profession: why technology enhances rather than replaces orthodontists and expands the adult patient marketplace

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

💎 Align Technology is pioneering 3D printed aligners with variable wall thickness capabilities through their CubiCure acquisition, enabling customized force application—40 mils on molars versus 10 mils on incisors—that mimics orthodontic digital workflow advantages of traditional brackets while eliminating 95% manufacturing waste and promising future cost efficiencies for practitioners.

💎 Invisalign treatment planning efficiency has dramatically improved with 20-25% of cases now "touchless" requiring minimal orthodontist input at the end, thanks to ClinCheck software, iTero scanner technology, and cloud-based systems that free doctors from weekend treatment planning sessions and enable better remote orthodontic...

Early orthodontic treatment is transforming how practitioners approach phase one treatment for growing patients. In this episode of the Golden Age Of Orthodontics, hosts Dr. Leon Klempner and Amy Epstein welcome Dr. Don Spillers, a board-certified orthodontist and leading voice in Invisalign First therapy. Dr. Spillers shares how clear aligners for kids are revolutionizing pediatric orthodontics, offering superior compliance, better hygiene, and remarkable arch development without traditional metal appliances. The conversation explores the business impact of treating patients at age seven versus only offering observation, the role of digital orthodontics in the growth of modern practice, and the best age to start orthodontic treatment for children.

What you will Learn in this Episode:

• How early orthodontic treatment with Invisalign First delivers superior patient compliance and clinical outcomes compared to traditional orthodontic appliances like palatal expanders and headgear

• The business impact of implementing aligner therapy for growing patients – including how observation and recall strategies may be costing your practice significant patient attrition to competitors

• Why digital orthodontics is revolutionizing phase one treatment with innovations like the Invisalign palatal expander, mandibular advancement wings, and complete digital workflow integration

• How treating children during active growth phases supports airway development and arch development, often eliminating the need for primary or permanent tooth extractions

Subscribe to the Golden Age of Orthodontics and our sister podcast, Practice Talk, hosted by Lacey Ellis, wherever you listen to stay updated on orthodontic innovation and real-world practice strategies. Visit People in Practice for more insights and to connect with our team for practice growth solutions.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction to early orthodontic treatment debate, the evolution of phase one treatment with clear aligners and personal insights from Dr. Leon and Amy Epstein

02:34 Meet Dr. Spillers

09:55 Dr. Don Spillers' journey from Invisalign skeptic to faculty member, teaching digital orthodontics and aligner therapy worldwide

15:43 Patient experience and business impact of implementing Invisalign First – including compliance advantages and practice growth from 30% early intervention orthodontics

19:21 Clinical innovations, including Invisalign palatal expander, mandibular advancement wings, and CBCT integration, showing bone change and airway benefits

28:00 The marketing reality of observation versus treatment – why delaying orthodontic treatment leads to patient attrition and the future of digital pediatric orthodontics by 2030

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Early orthodontic treatment with Invisalign First offers a complete digital workflow from scanning to retention, with new tools including the Invisalign palatal expander, mandibular advancement wings, and occlusal blocks – providing every appliance needed to treat growing patients without traditional metal devices

• Children ages 7-8 demonstrate superior compliance compared to teenagers, with parents reporting kids remind them when it's time to change aligners – plus treatment causes no pain, allows normal eating and sports, and improves hygiene compared to traditional orthodontic appliances

• Practices implementing phase one treatment with aligner therapy experience significant business growth, as observation strategies lead to substantial patient attrition to competitors – moms want immediate...

Clear aligners, digital workflows, and orthodontics shape the future of dental care. Dr. Leon Klempner and Amy Epstein, hosts of the Golden Age of Orthodontics podcast, explore innovations like clear aligners and lab partnerships with Darren Buddemeyer, CEO of DynaFlex. How do technology and trust-based relationships drive practice efficiency? You will hear the answer to that question and discover how labs evolve from vendors to partners, supporting orthodontists with advanced tools and collaboration to thrive in a competitive landscape.

What you will Learn in this Episode:

✅How digital orthodontic workflows enhance practice efficiency in modern orthodontics.

✅ The role of clear aligner systems and AI in overcoming corporate competition and practice consolidation.

✅ Benefits of lab partnerships with advanced 3d printing and CAD/CAM technology.

✅ Building trust-based relationships for innovation in remote monitoring.

✅ Evolving from vendors to partners using in-house printing and digital workflows.

Subscribe to the Golden Age of Orthodontics and our sister podcast, Practice Talk, hosted by Lacey Ellis, wherever you listen to stay updated on orthodontic innovation and real-world practice strategies. Visit People in Practice for more insights and to connect with our team for practice growth solutions.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Clear aligners, AI, and digital workflows in orthodontics

09:13 Darren's journey at DynaFlex emphasizes trust-based relationships and team growth in orthodontics

16:52 Digital orthodontic workflows driving practice efficiency amid corporate competition and DSOs

20:40 DynaFlex and proprietary product development

25:33 Lessons on adopting 3d printing, AI, and clear aligner systems ahead of the curve for lab partnerships

29:50 Trust-based relationships are key to a successful practice

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

💎 Digital workflows and clear aligners are transforming orthodontics for better practice efficiency.

💎 DynaFlex’s lab partnership leverages CAD/CAM technology and 3d printing to support orthodontics.

💎 Digital orthodontic workflows enhance practice efficiency against corporate competition.

💎 Early adoption of AI and clear aligner systems strengthens lab partnerships in orthodontics.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Darren Buddemeyer is the CEO of DynaFlex, an orthodontic and dental sleep medicine manufacturing company bringing bright smiles and a good nights’ sleep to thousands of people worldwide. Darren took the reins of DynaFlex 30 years ago and grew it from a very small lab to a major manufacturer of orthodontic products, orthodontic appliances and dental sleep medicine devices.

Darren learned the value of hard work from a young age. He started working at DynaFlex at the young age of 14, doing odd jobs at the lab. Every week, Darren gave his next-door neighbor – who worked not too far from the company’s lab – $10 in gas money so he could get a ride to work.

Those early lessons in the value of a hard day’s work would eventually pay dividends. Today, during Mr. Buddemeyer’ s tenure, DynaFlex has become one of the leading companies in the dental industry. Its reach is worldwide.

Darren Buddemeyer - LinkedIn

Dynaflex - Website