Orthodontic Congress

Dr. Pablo Lirio del Saz

Case Finishing – Aligners or Fixed Appliances?

Achieving high-quality finishing remains one of the key difficulties in orthodontic treatment, regardless of the appliance used. In this session, we will focus on how to obtain excellent finishing with aligners, comparable to traditional fixed techniques. Practical tips and simple, effective clinical protocols will be presented to improve detailing, optimize occlusal outcomes, and enhance overall treatment quality. By refining our approach and maintaining control during the final stages, we can ensure that our aligner cases finish with the same precision and excellence as conventional treatments

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Orthodontic Congress 2026 - Dental World

Dr. Pablo Lirio del Saz

Aligners & Complexity Doesn’t Mean Endless Anymore

The main challenge when treating patients with aligners is achieving efficiency. In complex adult cases, we must strictly follow clear clinical protocols to avoid prolonged treatments. Precise diagnosis, accurate digital planning, and the proper use of attachments and auxiliaries allow us to minimize the need for additional aligners, maintain control of biomechanics, and achieve predictable results without unnecessarily extending treatment time.

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Orthodontic Congress 2026 - Dental World

Prof. Eric Liou

Bite Raiser – Game Changer for Class II or Class III Non-Surgical Orthodontic Treatment in Adult Patients

The purpose of this presentation is to propose possible options for improving facial profile [first] and occlusion in Class III/asymmetry/Class II patients without orthognathic surgery by using bite raiser / slope.

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Prof. Eric Liou is an Associate Professor and the immediate past Chairman of the Faculty of Dentistry at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital & Chang Gung University, Taipei, Taiwan. He also serves as a Visiting Professor in the Department of Orthodontics at Showa University, Tokyo, Japan.

Prof. Liou has held several leadership roles in professional organizations, including President of the Taiwan Association of Orthodontists (2015–2016) and immediate past President of the World Implant Orthodontic Association (WIOA). He currently serves as Vice President of the Asian Pacific Orthodontic Society (APOS), Editor of APOS Trends in Orthodontics, and Secretary General of the WIOA.

His primary research interests include distraction osteogenesis, temporary anchorage devices (TADs), orthodontic tooth movement, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bone physiology, as well as innovative surgical and non-surgical approaches. Prof. Liou is widely recognized for his presentations on topics such as Class III orthognathic camouflage treatment, occlusal cant and facial asymmetry correction with yin-yang arch wires, accelerated orthodontic tooth movement with PRP, maxillary orthopedic protraction, surgery-first orthognathic approaches, and TAD applications.

Orthodontic Congress 2026 - Dental World

Prof. Eric Liou

Bite Raiser – Game Changer for Class II or Class III Non-Surgical Orthodontic Treatment in Adult Patients

The purpose of this presentation is to propose possible options for improving facial profile [first] and occlusion in Class III/asymmetry/Class II patients without orthognathic surgery by using bite raiser / slope.

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Prof. Eric Liou is an Associate Professor and the immediate past Chairman of the Faculty of Dentistry at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital & Chang Gung University, Taipei, Taiwan. He also serves as a Visiting Professor in the Department of Orthodontics at Showa University, Tokyo, Japan.

Prof. Liou has held several leadership roles in professional organizations, including President of the Taiwan Association of Orthodontists (2015–2016) and immediate past President of the World Implant Orthodontic Association (WIOA). He currently serves as Vice President of the Asian Pacific Orthodontic Society (APOS), Editor of APOS Trends in Orthodontics, and Secretary General of the WIOA.

His primary research interests include distraction osteogenesis, temporary anchorage devices (TADs), orthodontic tooth movement, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bone physiology, as well as innovative surgical and non-surgical approaches. Prof. Liou is widely recognized for his presentations on topics such as Class III orthognathic camouflage treatment, occlusal cant and facial asymmetry correction with yin-yang arch wires, accelerated orthodontic tooth movement with PRP, maxillary orthopedic protraction, surgery-first orthognathic approaches, and TAD applications.

Orthodontic Congress 2026 - Dental World

Dr. Saif Al-Zahrooni

Predictable Approaches to Treat Class II Malocclusions with Aligners

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Dr. Al-Zahrooni is a board-certified orthodontist with a strong focus on aligner orthodontics and digital treatment concepts. He has extensive clinical and leadership experience in both private practice and institutional settings in Austria.

Since 2017, he has been working as a self-employed orthodontist in private practice, specializing in aligner therapy and comprehensive orthodontic treatment. From 2016 to 2023, he served as Chief Orthodontist at ÖGK Niederösterreich (Austrian Health Insurance Fund), where he was responsible for clinical leadership and orthodontic services. Since 2023, he has been President of the Austrian Society for Aligner Orthodontics.

Dr. Al-Zahrooni obtained his Austrian Board Certification in Orthodontics in 2022. He holds a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the Medical University of Vienna (2015) and a Master of Science (MSc) in Orthodontics from Danube University (2014).

Orthodontic Congress 2026 - Dental World

Dr. Valentina Lanteri

Transversal-First Strategy in Translational Pediatric Orthodontics: Early Diagnosis and Maxillary Expansion with Light and Constant Forces

The lecture will present an updated overview of preventive and therapeutic strategies in modern pediatric orthodontics, aimed at promoting proper dental development and the management of malocclusions during growth.

Key topics will include early diagnosis, long-term treatment planning, phased therapy, and the appliances most commonly used in interceptive orthodontics (Leaf Expander and customized elastomer), with particular emphasis on the role of functional and myofunctional therapy.

The main focus will be on maxillary transverse deficiency and the Transversal-First Strategy in Translational Pediatric Orthodontics, with specific reference to early diagnosis and maxillary expansion using light and constant forces.

Early treatment will be analyzed from a multidisciplinary perspective, with the aim of achieving effective, efficient, reliable, well-tolerated, safe, and cost-effective orthopedic and functional correction.

The presentation will be supported by the discussion of numerous clinical cases with long-term follow-up.

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After graduating in Dentistry in 2002, she obtained a Postgraduate Specialization in Orthodontics in 2005, both from the University of Pavia. She subsequently earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Pediatric Dentistry from the University of Florence in 2008, followed by a Master’s Degree in Pediatric Dentistry and Interceptive Orthodontics from the University of Pisa in 2009. In 2017, she completed a PhD in Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences at the University of Milan, where she also obtained a Specialization in Pediatric Dentistry in 2021. Following her appointment as a Researcher at the University of Milan, she has been serving as Associate Professor at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia since the academic year 2023/2024. In this role, she teaches Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in the Degree Program in Dentistry and Dental Prosthetics, as well as in the Degree Program in Dental Hygiene.

She currently serves as Director of the Postgraduate School in Orthodontics, Scientific Director of the Master’s Program in Translational Pediatric Orthodontics, and Director of the Advanced Training Course “Treatment of the Adult Patient Beyond the Three Dimensions of Space: Timing and Compliance – An Interdisciplinary Approach” (academic year 2026/2027), as well as Member of the Faculty Board of the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Program in Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Curriculum in Translational Medicine.

She is an active member of the Italian Society of Orthodontics (SIDO) and the Italian Academy of Orthodontics (AIDOR). She has delivered numerous courses and lectures at national and international conferences and is the author or co-author of several scientific papers and books.

Orthodontic Congress 2026 - Dental World

MDT. Edris Rasta

Prosthetically Driven Orthodontics – Where Biology Meets Movement

Tooth movement is never random, it follows biology and respects anatomy (skeletal and dental classifications). Here, we reveal a prosthetically guided approach that redefines orthodontic planning, aligning function and form in harmony.

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MDT. Edris Rasta is an experienced dental technician and educator specializing in restorative and aesthetic dentistry. He holds a Master’s degree in Crown and Bridge Restorations from the Dutch Health Tec Academy and has extensive expertise in zirconia and lithium-disilicate restorations, including advanced layering techniques.

Since 2015, he has worked at the Dental Design Center (Blaricum, Netherlands), training dentists and technicians, and has lectured nationally and internationally on occlusion, function, and aesthetic treatment planning. He is an affiliate of the EAED and an active member of YourDentalExpert.com, mentoring new dentists and sharing his expertise in materials, cementation, and digital smile design.

Orthodontic Congress 2026 - Dental World

Dr. Robertas Kirlys

The Biological and Biomechanical Limits of Clear Aligners: From Digital Plan Failure to Practical Clinical Solutions

Clear aligner treatment of complex adult malocclusions presents significant biological and biomechanical challenges.

This course focuses on the management of complex adult cases using aligners both with and without auxiliaries, including hybrid approaches and the application of skeletal anchorage. These adjuncts are essential for achieving the outcomes planned in the 3D setup.

The speaker will review key concepts related to expanding the clinical capabilities of clear aligners, with particular emphasis on the integration of auxiliary techniques such as sectional fixed appliances (buccal and lingual), TAD-supported mechanics, and other adjunctive devices.

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Dr. Robertas Kirlys is a dentist - orthopedist - orthodontist. He completed his studies at the Institute of Dentistry of Vilnius University Faculty of Medicine (2006) and dentistry studies at Ernst Moritz Arndt University in Greifswald (Germany) (2004). In 2006 he completed an internship at Vilnius University Žalgiris Hospital. 2008 - 2012 orthodontic residency - Vilnius University Žalgiris Clinic. 2014 - 2016 completed the orthopedics residency study program at Vilnius University Žalgiris Clinic. From 2018 works at the clinic of the Vilnius Implantology Center. Is the manager of the Ordoline Academy mentoring program. Constantly lecturing and conducting practical training for general practitioners and orthodontists about treatment with aligners and the specifics of this work. Dr. Robertas Kirlys constantly deepens his knowledge in various conferences and training. Dr. Robert Kirlys is one of the most experienced specialists in treating patients with straightening aligners.

Orthodontic Congress 2026 - Dental World

Dr. Hadi Dehghani

Everything You Need to Know About Shape Shifting Technology

The presentation will explore the properties of shape-memory polymers, the programming of aligners into different geometries, and the role of thermal activation in shape transformation. It will also address the clinical application of the technology, including treatment planning and the process of tooth movement.

Orthodontic Congress 2026 - Dental World

Dr. Claudia Pinter

Skeletal Maxillary Expansion in Adults in Combination with Aligners for Breathing Bite and Beauty

This lecture presents a breakthrough non-surgical approach to skeletal maxillary expansion in selected adult patients. When combined with aligner therapy, this method addresses the growing demand for treatments that improve breathing during sleep, facial aesthetics, and occlusion. Dr. Claudia Pinter will share clinical protocols and case examples demonstrating how skeletal expansion and Spark Aligners work synergistically to achieve functional and aesthetic transformation in adult patients.

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Dr. Claudia Pinter is recognized as one of the leading experts in the aligner technique. A graduate of the University of Vienna, Austria, she has devoted her career to invisible orthodontics with clear aligners. Internationally sought after as a speaker, she is highly valued for her ability to simplify complex concepts into practical principles that can be applied in everyday practice. The excellence of her work continues to inspire other doctors to advance their knowledge of the aligner technique, and she is known for openly sharing her protocols. Passionate about collaboration, Dr. Pinter thrives on exchanging knowledge and ideas with colleagues worldwide.

Orthodontic Congress 2026 - Dental World

Dr. Claudia Pinter

Aligners & TADs – When, Why and How to Combine Them

The integration of temporary anchorage devices (TADs) with Aligners expands the scope of what can be achieved with clear aligner therapy. While aligners alone effectively manage a wide range of malocclusions, certain movements—such as anterior intrusion for gummy smile correction, transverse skeletal expansion, or complex distalization and mesialization—benefit from the added control and anchorage provided by TADs. Dr. Claudia Pinter will outline clinical indications, biomechanics, and workflow strategies for combining TADs with aligners to achieve greater precision, efficiency, and treatment stability in demanding cases.

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Dr. Claudia Pinter is recognized as one of the leading experts in the aligner technique. A graduate of the University of Vienna, Austria, she has devoted her career to invisible orthodontics with clear aligners. Internationally sought after as a speaker, she is highly valued for her ability to simplify complex concepts into practical principles that can be applied in everyday practice. The excellence of her work continues to inspire other doctors to advance their knowledge of the aligner technique, and she is known for openly sharing her protocols. Passionate about collaboration, Dr. Pinter thrives on exchanging knowledge and ideas with colleagues worldwide.

Orthodontic Congress 2026 - Dental World

Dr. Zsoldos Márton

Innovative Solutions for Growing Patients with Aligners

The times are long gone when aligners were only for adults. Now we can safely and efficiently treat not just teenagers but also children with aligners. We can solve common problems from crowding, mislaignment to severe Class 2. Of course these patients are not just “small adults” we have to modify our strategy and methods to reach our goals. In this lecture we will discuss how to treat growing patients safely, efficiently and predictably with aligners and what new possibilities are offered by the most advanced systems.

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Orthodontic Congress 2026 - Dental World

Dr. Nazar Blazhkiv

What We Were Told Not to Treat with Aligners

Clear aligner therapy is often associated with limitations — certain movements, malocclusions, and complex clinical situations are traditionally considered difficult or unsuitable for aligner treatment. This lecture will challenge some of those assumptions and explore how biomechanics, sequencing, anchorage, attachments, material selection, and treatment strategy can expand the possibilities of aligner therapy. Through complex clinical examples, participants will learn how to approach difficult cases more predictably, understand how material properties can support clinical efficiency and control, and rethink what can realistically be achieved with aligners.

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Orthodontic Congress 2026 - Dental World