Meeting Review: 2019 AAO Annual Session in Los Angeles

Sierra Rendon / DTA

Tue. 7 May 2019

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LOS ANGELES, Calif., USA: The American Association of Orthodontists held its 2019 Annual Session May 3 to 7 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. At the meeting, renowned lecturers addressed traditional topics such as Class II and Class III treatment, biomechanics, anchorage/TADs and esthetics. In the exhibit hall, companies offered the latest products and technology.

The AAO meeting is a premier location for orthodontists to learn new skills and for orthodontic companies to introduce new products, and 2019 was no exception. In Los Angeles, many orthodontic companies took the opportunity to launch new products, showcase innovative technology and offer thought leaders a chance to explain what products they use and why.

Ormco unleashed an innovative product lineup. In addition to previewing its Spark Clear Aligner System, a new entry to the clear aligner category, Ormco featured its most innovative product lineup in years, introducing SmartArch, an archwire designed to enable clinicians to move into a finishing wire after just two wires; Symetri Clear, an advanced esthetic ceramic bracket designed for refined strength, patient comfort and easy debonding without fracturing; and Damon Q2, a passive self-ligating (PSL) bracket, with 2x rotation control for optimal precision, predictability and efficiency. With nearly 60 years of research and product innovation and more than 1,000 patents, Ormco has helped doctors with more than 20 million cases in more than 130 countries, the company said.

Waterpik launched what it described as the “world’s first flossing toothbrush,” the Sonic-Fusion. This new product is clinically proven to be twice as effective as traditional brushing and flossing, according to the company.

Crest + OralB introduced new Crest Gum & Sensitivity, designed to kill plaque bacteria and occlude tubules where 80 percent of sensitivity starts: the gumline. This product is proven to start working immediately to relieve sensitivity, according to the company.

Launched within the past year, Invisalign First clear aligners are specifically designed for growing patients requiring early interceptive treatment. Additional new features include improved retention on short clinical crowns and improved and expanded eruption compensation features, making it possible to treat patients in early to late mixed dentition.

Henry Schein Ortho offered a full roster of speakers. Topics included “Attach-Less Aligners: Do They Really Work?” by Dr. Dave Paquette, “The Benefits of Incorporating the SAGITTAL FIRST Philosophy with Aligner Therapy” by Dr. John Kaku and “A New Standard of Care with Attach-Less Aligners” by Dr. Patti Panucci.

In the lecture halls, Dr. Hugo De Clerck presented the 2019 Salzmann Lecture, “Miniplate Skeletal Anchorage: An Update and New Perspectives.” Dr. Peter Buschang presented the 2019 Angle Lecture, “30 Years of Achievements — Our Proudest Moments.” The 2019 Mershon lecture was given by Dr. Greg Huang, who presented “Results from the National Dental PBRN Adult Anterior Openbite Study.”

Following the recent unexpected passing of Dr. William Proffit, the 2019 Annual Session Planning Committee designated the lecture period during which Proffit was to speak as the William R. Proffit Memorial Lecture. Dr. Kevin O’Brien of Manchester, United Kingdom, gave the lecture and presented “Standing on the Shoulders of a Giant: A Retrospective on Bill Proffit.”

Other educational opportunities were numerous and varied. Half-day lectures covered newer and diverse topics, such as 3-D printing/in-house aligners, finishing, sleep apnea, retention/lingual orthodontics and impacted canines/missing teeth. Two other half-day lectures focused on pre-adolescent treatment. Highlights of the Doctors Scientific Program included the 2019 Salzmann, Angle and Mershon lectures as well as one special lecture being held as a memorium.

Academy Award-winning filmmaker Ron Howard, one of his generation’s most popular directors, served as the keynote speaker for the Excellence in Orthodontics Awards Ceremony. Howard has created some of Hollywood’s most memorable films, from the critically acclaimed dramas “A Beautiful Mind” and “Apollo 13” to the hit comedies “Parenthood” and “Splash” and holiday favorite “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” His work also includes “Cinderella Man” starring Oscar winner Russell Crowe, for which Howard earned an Oscar for Best Director and which also won awards for Best Picture, Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress.

No one has ever said that being an orthodontist is a dull profession, and with the whirlwind of activities available in Los Angeles, no one will say that about the AAO Annual Session either. No matter where you look, there were lectures and workshops to attend, networking opportunities to participate in and colleagues and friends to interact with.

AAO Los Angeles Orthodontics