Venice 2019 - The Spring Meeting

The European Aligner Society’s Spring Meeting attracted 354 delegates from 41 countries to Venice between March 29-31 2019, so was truly an international forum for disseminating expertise about clear aligner therapy. It was a true reflection of the way a shared passion can bring people from diverse countries together.

The Society’s education committee had curated a progressive programme which explored the rapid and perpetual advances in technologies and techniques related to aligner orthodontics and had attracted an International line-up of expert and renowned speakers to deliver the lectures.

The programme kicked off with a pre-congress workshop series covering hot topics in aligner orthodontics from accelerated treatment options, advanced monitoring to CBCT integration.

The main plenary programme on day two traversed the treatment modality from aligner biomechanics, teen treatment, finishing tips, complex treatments, 3D diagnosis and treatment planning, as well as the integration of restorative treatment options and planning and how it fits into the Digital Smile Design concept. Patient care also formed a core plank of the programme.

Highlights of programme included Dr Sean Carlson from the USA who presented ways of enhancing orthodontic treatment and diagnosis using 3D technology. From west to east Dr Stephen Chang from Taiwan delivered his Insights into aligner biomechanics and was followed by Dr Julia Haubrich from Germany who shared her experiences treating teens with aligner orthodontics.

Spain’s Dr Christina Viyula offered her keys for a perfect finish, and the management of the posterior open bite whilst Dr Federico Migliori from Italy followed with a lecture of asymmetries and aligners, from digital planning to treatment mechanics. Japan and Brazil converged in the final lecture of the plenary session with Dr Christian Coachman and Dr Kenji Ojima enlightened delegates about how to stay ahead of the game with Dental Smile Design and aligners. This dual presentation featured Dr Coachman on the big screen live from the USA and Dr Ojima on stage.