Industry News

Orthotown Magazine

AAO Accepting Entries for 2026 Ortho Innovator Award
The American Association of Orthodontists is accepting submissions for its 2026 Ortho Innovator Awards, which recognize products or services developed by orthodontists to improve clinical or operational practice. Entries may be submitted in two categories: Emerging Innovation, for early-stage concepts supported by prototypes or pilot testing, and Market Impact Innovation, for commercially available solutions demonstrating real-world use and measurable results.

Applicants must include a three- to five-minute video created for the contest and featuring the AAO member orthodontist involved. The AAO Committee on Technology will evaluate submissions for uniqueness, feasibility, functionality and value to orthodontic practices.

Submissions are due January 31, 2026. Winners will be announced at the 2026 Annual Session.

For more information, visit www2.aaoinfo.org/orthoinnovators.


KLOwen Orthodontics Launches “Custom Conversations” Industry Panel
KLOwen Orthodontics has launched Custom Conversations, a new panel series examining 2025 performance data and orthodontic trends. The first session, to be held Jan. 8 and hosted by CEO Ryan Elmore, features insights from Chris Bentson, Ryan Moynihan and Dr. Paul Trotter.

The discussion explores growth patterns, efficiency metrics and how custom workflows affect profitability and patient experience. KLOwen says the series aims to highlight data-driven strategies for 2026.

For more information, visit klowenortho.com.


Great Lakes Dental Technologies Partners with NewSom Sleep
Great Lakes Dental Technologies has partnered with NewSom Sleep to offer BluePro, a noncustom thermoplastic device for mild to moderate sleep apnea and snoring. The appliance is fitted chairside by heating and molding two splints, which assemble into an adjustable device that advances the jaw to improve airflow. It can serve as an alternative to CPAP, a trial option before custom therapy or a temporary or travel solution.

For more information, visit greatlakesdentaltech.com.


Angelalign Technology Expands Partnerships in iOrtho Release 5.3
Angelalign Technology has expanded its iOrtho platform through new integrations with Dexis, Shining 3D and Panda scanners, building on compatibility with Medit, 3Shape, Allied Star and others. The iOrtho 5.3 update adds virtual root visualization from panoramic images, STL downloads from approved plans and the myAngelSmile app for aligner-wear tracking. Angelalign says the release strengthens clinical efficiency and digital workflow accuracy.

For more information, visit angelaligner.com.



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