Meeting review: 2016 AAO Annual Session

Educational opportunities were in abundance. From lectures and hands-on courses to talks right on the exhibit hall floor, attendees had plenty of chances to learn. There were offerings for both doctors and orthodontic staff.

Highlights included: “New Discoveries to Improve Orthodontic Diagnosis and Treatment,” offered by Dr. Sheldon Peck; “Current Applications of 3D Printing in Orthodontics,” led by Dr. Edward Lin; “Root Resorption and Other Anomalies: What, Where, Why?” presented by Dr. Sylvia Frazier-Bowers; “Creative Treatment Planning for the Complex Orthodontic Patient,” led by Dr. Vincent Kokich; “Orthodontic Facts and Myths,” presented by Dr. David Turpin; and “Long-term Stability of Difficult Malocclusions Treated Using Non-Conventional Methods,” led by Dr. Roberto Hernandez-Orsini.

These are just some of the many educational opportunities that were available.

On the exhibit hall floor, many companies brought in speakers and expert practitioners to share their knowledge.

Ortho Tribune met up with one such expert, Dr. Jack Fisher, at the Planmeca booth on Sunday morning. He was on hand to tell his fellow meeting attendees about his experience with digital imaging. Fisher, an expert on skeletal movement, said in an interview that he conducted extensive research on digital imaging technology before selecting Planmeca. He says that today, his system works great for his practice. Fisher was on hand at the Planmeca booth throughout the meeting.

Other companies launched products and made special announcements. Ormco held a briefing for editors of the orthodontic journals. Ryan Moynihan, vice president, global marketing, offered opening remarks, then passed the microphone to Suzanne Wilson, who talked about the Alias lingual bracket and Demi+ curing light. Kevin Rattle presented Prezurv replacement retainers, and Bryn Denheyer discussed the company’s Insignia custom bracket appliance.

Also at Ormco, Debby Hartman spoke about the company’s Damon Clear2 brackets and a new publicity campaign featuring surfer Bethany Hamilton. Known to many for losing an arm to a shark, Hamilton was treated with Damon Braces at age 14 to address a severe open bite and significant crowding. Now, she’s teaming up with Ormco and introducing a new, interactive emoji keyboard. That’s right, now your smiley face can have braces! The Bethany Hamilton Damon Smile Emoji keyboard is composed of 21 unique emojis that can be shared using all popular messaging apps.

“Whether you have one arm like me, are skilled with a special talent or wear braces, everyone is unique in their own way, and that’s something we should always celebrate and embrace,” said Hamilton, in a press release announcing the campaign. “This new emoji keyboard makes expressing yourself even more fun and is the perfect way to rock the power of your smile. Damon System braces transformed my smile, allowing me to confidently share my story of perseverance. I am excited to interact with my fans using these emojis that show just how cool it is to wear Damon Braces and have a beautiful Damon smile.”

You can download the keyboard for free at www.damonbraces.com/bethany-hamilton/emoji, or directly from Apple iTunes or Google Play.

Also at AAO16, a number of companies passed out goodies. topsOrtho gave out buttons with fun sayings, such as “rock star” and “u know u want me.” They also had cotton candy. Wild Smiles had postcards and T-shirts. Social media and reputation manager Practice Retriever had a plush puppy toy. There were also pens — the one from Ortho Synthetics lights up! — and key chains — the one from Practice Retriever doubles as a bottle opener!

These are just some of the many new and exciting offerings that were available in Orlando.