Love was definitely in the air in Vienna over Valentine’s weekend (13 and 14 February 2016) however it was love for clear aligner therapy which had hearts beating.
The European Aligner Society successfully attracted some of the world’s leading experts in the field to address its inaugural Congress. A total of 316 attendees were attracted by the potential to learn about this treatment modality at the two day event. The Viennese Congress attracted dental professionals from 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 attend 27 lectures – including a Skype video link from the USA – to learn about the latest clinical advances, product developments and practical advice about clear aligner therapy which they could apply immediately in practice.
Hybridisation
One of the trending topics of the Congress was ‘hybridisation’ which was most fully explored on the second day during a series of hands-on workshops, which allowed the delegates to delve more deeply and start to attain some practical experience of treating more complex malocclusions with aligners, as well as 3D scanning technology and accelerated treatment technology. By the end of the Congress clinicians were undoubtedly better placed to compare the technical and clinical advantages of a variety of aligner systems, and associated technologies, and select the ideal modalities for their patients.
The inaugural event surpassed the expectations of both attendees and representatives of the industry. Feedback from the participants praised the high quality of information delivered, as well as the sheer variety of topics covered in the lectures and workshops.
A parallel exhibition, supported by 22 companies, complemented the scientific knowledge sharing and delegates were able to compare a variety of clear aligner systems currently available on the market as well as products for accelerated orthodontic treatment, intraoral scanners and 3D printers.
‘A new chapter in orthodontics’
One of the lecturers Dr Raman Aulakh from the UK commented ‘I am so excited to see so many people invested in the development of a new treatment modality. They are the forward thinking component of our profession and it is good to find people who are looking forward. If you are not treating with clear aligners and associated technologies you are out of date. This is the new norm – the next chapter in orthodontics!’ He added ‘Where other dental congresses are in the decline I find it so refreshing that aligner meetings are in the ascendant. Younger patients and practitioners are looking for new ways.’
Ritesh Sharma, Marketing Director at Align Technology, a platinum sponsor of the event, stated: ‘We were positively delighted about the number of many doctors who were keen to engage and participate; it is gratifying to see well over 300 people attending the EAS first congress. The congress is undoubtedly a place to find independent opinions learn about the broad spectrum of technologies and products available and come away with the whole picture about clear aligner therapy.’
At the closing ceremony, EAS President Dr Graham Gardner concluded, ‘Aligners are such an exciting and fascinating field. We are looking forward to more meetings such as this very successful Congress here in Vienna.” hinting that there will be more opportunities for the EAS community to evolve, learn and grow.
Films of all the presentations will be uploaded to the EAS website – www.eas-aligners.com – so that non-attendees can learn more from some of the preeminent experts in clear aligner therapy.
