The European Aligner Society was launched in May 2014 through the combined enthusiasm of 6 clinicians with a passion for aligner therapy. The original concept, raised in a late-night post-meeting session in Amsterdam, resulted in the formation of a registered Society, with 5 founder members – Dr Tommaso Castroflorio, Dr Clemens Fricke, Dr Graham Gardner, Dr Francesco Garino, and Dr Leslie Joffe. Dr Juan Carlos Rivero Lesmes joined as a director soon thereafter. The 6 clinicians directed the fledgling EAS on its path as a scientific society, whose aims are to provide information and education on aligner therapy, a treatment modality which has shown an incremental growth in interest over the last decade amongst both clinicians, patients and technology companies.

Vienna 2016 - The First Congress

The first initiative for EAS was to hold its 1st Congress on Valentine’s weekend in February 2016 in Vienna, under the 1st President of EAS, Dr Graham Gardner. This inaugural Congress proved a great success in terms of scientific program, doctor attendance and exhibitor presence. Some of the world’s leading experts in the aligner field were invited to address the inaugural Congress.

A total of 316 attendees were attracted by the potential to learn about this treatment modality at the two-day event.  Dental professionals travelled from as far afield as attracted as Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, France, the UK, Greece, Italy, Japan, Taiwan, Ukraine, and Russia – in fact in all, 42 countries from around the world were represented. Delegates were not disappointed as they had an unrivalled opportunity to learn through 27 lectures – including a Skype video link from the USA - about the latest clinical advances, product developments and practical advice about clear aligner therapy which they could apply immediately in practice.

The concurrent trade exhibition, supported by twenty-two companies, complemented the scientific knowledge sharing.  Delegates were able to compare a variety of clear aligner systems; products for accelerated orthodontic treatment as well as intra-oral scanners and 3-D printers currently available on the market.

Vienna 2017 - EAS Aligner Lab

The inaugural event was followed in 2017 with a shortened 1-day Spring Meeting – EAS AlignerLab, which was held in the same venue as the 1st Congress, Vienna. The meeting focussed on 10 subjects related to aligner therapy, ranging from 3D scanning, 3D printing, virtual assessment and treatment planning and accelerated tooth movement techniques. All delegates attended the 10 lecture / workshops for 45-minutes on a rolling basis throughout the day. The AlignerLab concept was an innovative approach to providing clinicians with a variety of views and plenty of “pearls” on aligner subjects. The 153 delegates enjoyed this novel approach to a one-day meeting.

Venice 2018 - The Second Congress

It was with great excitement that EAS approached its next international Congress in February 2018 in the breath-taking atmosphere of Venice.

Hosted by the 2nd President of EAS, Dr Francesco Garino, the congress promised to update delegates on the exciting progress taking place in the world of aligner therapy.  By bringing together the scientific community, clinicians, manufacturers, developers and tech companies, EAS planned to provide the most complete scientific and clinical education related to aligner therapy, building from the successes achieved in Vienna.

Under the theme: “Are you ready to become Invisible?” the three-day meeting covered current trends, directions, possibilities and techniques in aligner treatment.

Breakfast with the Expert

A special “Breakfast with the Expert” was held on Sunday morning in order to give to participants the opportunity of a peer-to-peer discussion with the top experts in the field of aligner orthodontics. A full-day post-congress course was held on 19 February during which Dr Christian Coachman gave lectures on the digital smile design revolution, with a live patient demonstration. The attendance of 554 delegates confirmed that a meeting focussing on aligner therapy is both needed and greatly valued by orthodontic clinicians. The Journal of Aligner Orthodontics, published by Quintessence, was launched as the official journal of the EAS at this event.

Venice 2019 - The Spring Meeting

Aiming to be the main continuing professional development provider for allied professionals involved in aligner treatment delivery, the EAS holds educational events, including its biennial meeting. Before the next EAS 3rd Congress, due to take place in 2020, the second EAS interim Spring Meeting will take place in March 2019. The location will again be the wonderful city of Venice, Italy.

EAS aims to provide clinicians with a platform for presenting both their research and cases. This serves as a platform to discover new talent but also as a wonderful way for all clinicians to present their work, in line with one of the goals of the EAS: to offer a forum for showcasing the latest developments in and with aligner treatment.

EAS recognises that the orthodontic aligner industry and allied companies are crucial in helping to identify EAS as a reference and as the provider of gold standard meetings for aligner orthodontics, so that excellence, best practice and research can be enjoyed and shared not only by EAS members but also by congress delegates.

EAS works closely with companies that have interests in aligner therapy from manufacture to digital integration to efficiency in aligner treatment.   EAS is therefore in a strong position to bridge the gap between clinicians and the latest trends being developed by these companies.  This symbiotic relationship results in up-to-date knowledge leading to better patient experience and improved treatment outcomes.

EAS looks forward to welcoming you again in Venice 2019!