At the recent Dentsply Sirona World event in Las Vegas, Kevin Henry spoke with Jill Uhryniak, Group Vice President of Orthodontics and Aligner Solutions, about the evolving role of technology, patient expectations, and adult orthodontics.
On AI in orthodontics, Uhryniak emphasized that while treatment decisions remain with clinicians, AI can streamline workflows, suggest treatment options, and optimize back-end processes.
“Think of the ‘A’ as ‘assisted,’ not just ‘artificial,’” she said. AI supports practices by reducing stress and enabling practitioners to focus on complex decision-making.
Adult orthodontics continues to grow, driven by increased awareness of oral health’s impact on overall wellness and the rise of virtual communication tools during the pandemic.
Adults with disposable income are increasingly seeking long-term dental health and aesthetic improvements. While patient demand is rising, Uhryniak noted that clinicians guide decisions to balance oral health, wellness, and cosmetic goals.
Treatment expectations are shifting, with patients seeking faster results.
However, Uhryniak stressed the importance of “moving teeth smart,” citing Dentsply Sirona’s SureSmile platform, which delivers precise, efficient, and predictable outcomes with fewer refinements than industry norms.
Effective communication across the dental team is essential to create a calm, confident patient experience.
Looking ahead to 2026, hybrid orthodontic treatments—combining aligners and wires—and intelligent workflows will gain traction.
Technology is also fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing seamless transitions between orthodontists, general practitioners, and oral surgeons.
Patients are becoming more engaged in their care through digital tools that provide reminders, tips, and progress updates.
Uhryniak concluded that the future of orthodontics lies in flexibility, collaboration, and personalized care, with technology enabling clinicians to deliver efficient, patient-centered outcomes.
