The Digital Orthodontist: Live!

The first episode of our new series Ortho Takes is here!! Board-certified orthodontist Dr. Zach Pitcher (University of Pittsburgh, Jolley Smiles Orthodontics) joins Ortho Takes to share his spiciest opinions on the field. From calling airway orthodontics the “essential oil of dentistry” to questioning trends that overpromise and underdeliver, Dr. Pitcher opens up about what really matters in patient care, how the specialty gets distracted, and why critical thinking is more valuable than hype.

Board-certified orthodontist Dr. Maz Moshiri (University of Missouri–Kansas City, Moshiri Orthodontics) joins Ortho Takes to share his spiciest opinions on the field. From declaring that “aligners suck” (kind of) to reflecting on the pendulum swing away from their once-unquestioned popularity, Dr. Moshiri breaks down where aligners still work, where they fall short, and why more patients seem hesitant to choose them. It’s a conversation about hype, biomechanics, and getting back to what works.

 

 

Orthodontist Dr. Grant Collins (University of Minnesota, Collins Orthodontics) joins Ortho Takes to share his spiciest opinions on the field. Known to millions as @TheBracesGuy, Dr. Collins doesn’t hold back when it comes to the state of orthodontic content online. From calling most ortho social media “terrible” to questioning the copy-paste trends that miss the mark, he dives into the tension between education and entertainment—and what actually builds trust with patients in 2025.

In this episode of The Digital Orthodontist: Live!, hosts Dr. Kyle Fagala and Luke Infinger unpack the central idea behind their book Joy in Orthodontics—and why success alone isn’t enough. Through an honest, reflective conversation, they explore the paradox facing many orthodontists today: outward achievement paired with internal exhaustion. From the realities of burnout and reaction-mode leadership to the deeper distinction between happiness and joy, this episode challenges the achievement-driven mindset baked into dental training. Kyle and Luke introduce practical frameworks—including the Values–Vision alignment and the J.O.Y. Decision Framework—to help doctors move from survival to intentional living. With real-world examples, hard data, and encouragement rooted in empathy, this episode offers a clear path toward sustainable leadership, healthier ambition, and rediscovering joy in both practice and life.

In this episode of The Digital Orthodontist: Live!, hosts Dr. Kyle Fagala and Luke Infinger unpack the central idea behind their book Joy in Orthodontics—and why success alone isn’t enough. Through an honest, reflective conversation, they explore the paradox facing many orthodontists today: outward achievement paired with internal exhaustion. From the realities of burnout and reaction-mode leadership to the deeper distinction between happiness and joy, this episode challenges the achievement-driven mindset baked into dental training. Kyle and Luke introduce practical frameworks—including the Values–Vision alignment and the J.O.Y. Decision Framework—to help doctors move from survival to intentional living. With real-world examples, hard data, and encouragement rooted in empathy, this episode offers a clear path toward sustainable leadership, healthier ambition, and rediscovering joy in both practice and life.

In this episode of The Digital Orthodontist: Live!, Dr. Kyle Fagala hosts a candid, nuanced conversation on one of the most debated topics in orthodontics today: the airway. Joined by Dr. Audrey Yoon, Dr. Jeremy Manuele, Dr. Ryan Tamburrino, and Dr. Sanjivan Kandasamy, this episode brings together differing clinical perspectives to explore what the science actually supports, where the evidence is evolving, and where claims may be running ahead of the data. The discussion unpacks common questions around expansion, sleep-disordered breathing, interdisciplinary care, and the role orthodontists should—or should not—play in managing airway-related conditions. With an emphasis on intellectual honesty, professional responsibility, and patient-centered care, this episode challenges listeners to think critically, avoid oversimplification, and engage in thoughtful dialogue as the specialty continues to grapple with airway-focused treatment claims and education.

In this episode of The Digital Orthodontist: Live!, Dr. Kyle Fagala hosts a candid, nuanced conversation on one of the most debated topics in orthodontics today: the airway. Joined by Dr. Audrey Yoon, Dr. Jeremy Manuele, Dr. Ryan Tamburrino, and Dr. Sanjivan Kandasamy, this episode brings together differing clinical perspectives to explore what the science actually supports, where the evidence is evolving, and where claims may be running ahead of the data. The discussion unpacks common questions around expansion, sleep-disordered breathing, interdisciplinary care, and the role orthodontists should—or should not—play in managing airway-related conditions. With an emphasis on intellectual honesty, professional responsibility, and patient-centered care, this episode challenges listeners to think critically, avoid oversimplification, and engage in thoughtful dialogue as the specialty continues to grapple with airway-focused treatment claims and education.

Orthodontist Dr. Geoff Sudit (Mint Orthodontics, Minneapolis) joins Ortho Takes to drop a bold truth about where the field is heading. Known in the industry for embracing custom-printed braces, remote monitoring, and patient-first innovation, Dr. Sudit challenges the status quo: “If you’re not using custom brackets, you’re living in the past.” On this episode he breaks down why personalized technology matters, how it changes the patient experience, and where modern practices can’t afford to lag behind in 2026.

The Third Annual Orthodontic Awards are here! Hosts Dr. Kyle Fagala, Dr. Jonathan Nicozisis, and newcomer Dr. Anil Idiculla present 20 awards across orthodontic products, services, companies, and people. Plus, the Top 10 Things That Happened in Orthodontics This Year and the 2026 Living Legend Award.

Presented by Solventum. Sponsored by Mari's List, ION, Allure Ortho, and DentalMonitoring.

Winners can pick up their award plaques at the ION booth at the AAO Annual Session in Orlando.

The Third Annual Orthodontic Awards are here! Hosts Dr. Kyle Fagala, Dr. Jonathan Nicozisis, and newcomer Dr. Anil Idiculla present 20 awards across orthodontic products, services, companies, and people. Plus, the Top 10 Things That Happened in Orthodontics This Year and the 2026 Living Legend Award. Presented by Solventum. Sponsored by Mari's List, ION, Allure Ortho, and DentalMonitoring. Winners can pick up their award plaques at the ION booth at the AAO Annual Session in Orlando.