The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) Committee on Technology announces its 2026 AAO Ortho Innovator Award winners in the Emerging Innovation and Market Impact Innovation categories.
The 2026 Emerging Innovation Award will go to Dr. Marc Lemchen of Zeeno Robotics for Zeeno Sterile™. Founded by Dr. Lemchen with Todd Blankenbecler and Chester Wang, the veterans behind Dolphin and EasyRx, Zeeno Robotics automates critical orthodontic workflows, including sterilization, cleaning, lubrication, and wrapping. Contaminated instruments in cassettes enter the robot system and are managed autonomously, eliminating staff exposure, maintaining compliance, and returning staff time to patient care.
The Emerging Innovation Award recognizes groundbreaking ideas that can be demonstrated through a prototype, pilot, or minimum viable product (MVP). It includes innovations that may not yet be commercialized but show strong potential to transform orthodontics.
The winner of the 2026 Market Impact Innovation Award is Dr. Mehdi Peikar of Celebrace, for the Celebrace product, which uses AI algorithms to improve clinical precision, reduce reliance on bracket compromises, and minimize manual adjustments while preserving full doctor control. The system has been used to treat hundreds of patients and represents a practical application of AI in orthodontics focused on biomechanics, efficiency, and treatment predictability, rather than aesthetics.
Honoring innovations that have successfully transitioned from development to the commercial market, the Market Impact Innovation category showcases real-world adoption and measurable impact, driving meaningful change and advancing industry standards.
In addition, three honorable mentions were announced:
- Honorable Mention, Emerging Innovation: Dr. Neil Warshawsky, Casper Class II Correction System
- Honorable Mention, Emerging Innovation: Dr. Julianna Parizotto, Fry-to-Fab Biodegradable 3D Printing Resin for Orthodontic Models
- Honorable Mention, Market Impact Innovation: Dr. Brandon Owen, Owen Tripod Splint
Judges reviewed 24 entries in the Emerging Innovation category and 11 entries in the Market Impact Innovation category. Eligible companies were those offering new products or services for orthodontic treatment or orthodontic practice management. Each entry was evaluated based on its uniqueness, originality, functionality, feasibility, and value for the orthodontic practice.
About the American Association of Orthodontists
The American Association of Orthodontists represents 19,000 orthodontist members throughout the United States, Canada, and abroad. Founded in 1900, AAO is the world’s oldest and largest dental specialty organization. AAO is dedicated to ethically advancing the art and science of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics worldwide; improving the overall oral healthcare of the public; advocating for the health and safety of the public; and educating the public about the benefits of orthodontic treatment provided by an orthodontic specialist. For more information, visit aaoinfo.org.
