Dr. Chris Teeters and Dr. Brian Anderson are two orthodontists known not only for their clinical expertise and leadership, but also for co-founding the popular online community Orthodontic Pearls. Together, they helped launch the Mother of Pearls Conference (MOPC), now one of the most well-attended meetings for orthodontic innovation. They’re also members of the orthodontist rock band Relapse, creating connection through both education and entertainment.

On this episode, you will discover:

• How Orthodontic Pearls became one of the largest Facebook groups for orthodontists
• The origin story behind the Mother of Pearls Conference and tips for organizing a successful meeting
• Clinical insights including the Hyrax-Halterman appliance and functional bite turbos
• Lessons in leadership, collaboration, and maintaining a safe, inclusive orthodontic community
• Reflections on mindset, happiness, and how orthodontic innovators build connection through music and mentorship

Recorded September 11, 2021 at the Mother of Pearls Conference in Minneapolis, MN.

Generous support for this podcast comes from KLOwen Custom Braces and InBrace.

Join the community of forward-thinking orthodontists and catch up on every episode at illuminateorthopodcast.com — where innovation meets inspiration.

The Illuminate Orthodontic Podcast explores cutting-edge orthodontics and dentistry, offering orthodontists insights on innovation, patient care, custom braces, Invisalign & aligners, and 3D printing — while spotlighting leadership, practice growth, work-life balance, and the business of running a thriving orthodontic practice with creativity and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Lisa Alvetro is a respected orthodontist, educator, and philanthropist known for her clinical expertise with the Forsus™ Appliance and her forward-thinking approach to digital orthodontics. A longtime innovator in the specialty, Dr. Alvetro has helped integrate 3D printing and in-house aligners into everyday practice. She also founded Smiles of Hope, a charitable organization supporting children and families in Tanzania.

On this episode, you will discover:

• How to master Class II correction with the Forsus™ Appliance and why long-term follow-up records matter
• Strategies for integrating 3D printing and building a digital orthodontic workflow that your entire team can manage
• The pros and cons of various 3D printers and resins for in-house aligner fabrication
• How to create a digital integration team and recruit non-traditional staff for tech-based orthodontic roles
• Why giving back can renew your perspective—and how Lisa’s work in Tanzania is transforming lives

Recorded September 11, 2021 at the Mother of Pearls Conference in Minneapolis, MN.

Generous support for this podcast comes from KLOwen Custom Braces and Braces Academy & OrthoScreening.

Join the community of forward-thinking orthodontists and catch up on every episode at illuminateorthopodcast.com — where innovation meets inspiration.

The Illuminate Orthodontic Podcast explores cutting-edge orthodontics and dentistry, offering orthodontists insights on innovation, patient care, custom braces, Invisalign & aligners, and 3D printing — while spotlighting leadership, practice growth, work-life balance, and the business of running a thriving orthodontic practice with creativity and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Grant Collins, perhaps better known as The Braces Guy®, is a Minnesota-based orthodontist and one of the most recognized social media innovators in the orthodontic profession. As the founder of Collins Orthodontics, Grant has built a mission-driven practice rooted in customer service excellence, positive office culture, and creative outreach beyond traditional orthodontic boundaries.

On this episode, you will discover:

• How this orthodontist turned an empty schedule into a thriving practice through vision, values, and hard work
• Why focusing on mission over self transformed his team and patient experience
• Creative strategies for delivering Ritz-Carlton and Disney-level customer service in your orthodontic office
• Tips on building a healthy relationship with social media while growing a recognizable personal brand
• How The Braces Guy uses short-form content, team empowerment, and community engagement to drive orthodontic innovation

Recorded September 16, 2021 at the Mother of Pearls Conference in Minneapolis, MN.

Generous support for this podcast comes from LightForce Orthodontics and KLOwen Custom Braces.

Join the community of forward-thinking orthodontists and catch up on every episode at illuminateorthopodcast.com — where innovation meets inspiration.

The Illuminate Orthodontic Podcast explores cutting-edge orthodontics and dentistry, offering orthodontists insights on innovation, patient care, custom braces, Invisalign & aligners, and 3D printing — while spotlighting leadership, practice growth, work-life balance, and the business of running a thriving orthodontic practice with creativity and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Sebastian Baumgaertel is an internationally recognized orthodontist, innovator, and educator with deep expertise in temporary anchorage devices (TADs) and skeletal anchorage systems. With a background in both private practice and academics at Case Western Reserve University, Dr. Baumgaertel brings a wealth of clinical insight to the profession.

On this episode, you will discover:

• Why TADs often fail—and how to dramatically improve their success rate in orthodontic treatment
• The top anatomical sites for mini-screw placement and how they enhance biomechanical control
• How orthodontists can use skeletal anchorage to achieve outcomes previously only possible with surgery
• Dr. Baumgaertel’s approach to patient selection, clinical workflows, and TAD-based biomechanics
• How continued learning and mentorship in orthodontics can elevate your mastery of TADs and biomechanics

Recorded August 27, 2021 in Cleveland, OH.

Generous support for this podcast comes from LightForce Orthodontics and Fishbein Fundamentals.

Join the community of forward-thinking orthodontists and catch up on every episode at illuminateorthopodcast.com — where innovation meets inspiration.

The Illuminate Orthodontic Podcast explores cutting-edge orthodontics and dentistry, offering orthodontists insights on innovation, patient care, custom braces, Invisalign & aligners, and 3D printing — while spotlighting leadership, practice growth, work-life balance, and the business of running a thriving orthodontic practice with creativity and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Patrice Smith is an orthodontist, entrepreneur, and the innovative voice behind The Unorthodoc blog and brand. As the founder of Infinity Orthodontics in Washington, DC, Dr. Smith uses her platform to empower fellow orthodontists—especially women and Black professionals—with practical advice and personal storytelling. Her career blends clinical excellence with authentic social media branding and mission-driven practice ownership.

On this episode, you will discover:

• How Dr. Smith built a personal brand as an orthodontist through blogging and social media
• The impact of relatability and visibility on patient trust and new patient conversions
• Key lessons from launching a private orthodontic practice during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Creative insights into building a side hustle as an orthodontist, including her boutique candle company
• Why giving back through mission trips and mentoring is central to her philosophy

Recorded July 9th, 2021 in Downtown Washington, DC.

Generous support for this podcast comes from LightForce Orthodontics and Fishbein Fundamentals.

Join the community of forward-thinking orthodontists and catch up on every episode at illuminateorthopodcast.com — where innovation meets inspiration.

The Illuminate Orthodontic Podcast explores cutting-edge orthodontics and dentistry, offering orthodontists insights on innovation, patient care, custom braces, Invisalign & aligners, and 3D printing — while spotlighting leadership, practice growth, work-life balance, and the business of running a thriving orthodontic practice with creativity and entrepreneurship.

Dr. John Pham is a trailblazing orthodontist, tech entrepreneur, and co-founder of InBrace. With a background in aerospace engineering and a deep commitment to innovation, Dr. Pham shares how he’s reshaping orthodontics by challenging outdated methods and expanding access to care. His story is a powerful example of how orthodontic innovation can transform not just treatment modalities—but the profession itself.

On this episode, you will discover:

• How Dr. John Pham’s immigrant journey and engineering background fueled his path as an orthodontic innovator.
• What makes InBrace fundamentally different from traditional lingual braces—and why it’s not just about location.
• How Blue Ocean Strategy thinking is helping orthodontists attract untapped patients and grow the overall market.
• Why 'smart wire' technology is redefining force application and orthodontic treatment efficiency.
• The importance of embracing change and avoiding commoditization in today’s orthodontic landscape.

Recorded May 27, 2021 at the Glenn Hotel Autograph Collection in Atlanta, GA.

Generous support for this podcast comes from Fishbein Fundamentals and ODL.

Join the community of forward-thinking orthodontists and catch up on every episode at illuminateorthopodcast.com — where innovation meets inspiration.

The Illuminate Orthodontic Podcast explores cutting-edge orthodontics and dentistry, offering orthodontists insights on innovation, patient care, custom braces, Invisalign & aligners, and 3D printing — while spotlighting leadership, practice growth, work-life balance, and the business of running a thriving orthodontic practice with creativity and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Alfred Griffin III is a Harvard-trained orthodontist and the founder of LightForce Orthodontics — the first company to introduce a fully customized, 3D-printed bracket system. As a respected innovator in orthodontic technology, Dr. Griffin blends his academic background with entrepreneurial vision to shape the future of the orthodontic profession.

On this episode, you will discover:

• How Dr. Griffin’s upbringing in a dental family inspired his journey as an orthodontic innovator
• The origin story of LightForce and the challenges of launching an orthodontic startup during residency
• Why 3D printing is redefining efficiency, customization, and biomechanics in orthodontic treatment
• The unique advantages of patient-specific brackets and digital workflows for modern orthodontists
• What it means to build a company by orthodontists, for orthodontists, and how LightForce is scaling innovation

Recorded March 12, 2021 at the new LightForce Headquarters in Boston, MA.

Generous support for this podcast comes from HIP Creative and Dentagrafix.

Join the community of forward-thinking orthodontists and catch up on every episode at illuminateorthopodcast.com — where innovation meets inspiration.

The Illuminate Orthodontic Podcast explores cutting-edge orthodontics and dentistry, offering orthodontists insights on innovation, patient care, custom braces, Invisalign & aligners, and 3D printing — while spotlighting leadership, practice growth, work-life balance, and the business of running a thriving orthodontic practice with creativity and entrepreneurship.

Dr. David Sarver is an world-renowned orthodontist, author, and educator best known for his pioneering work on smile arc, dentofacial esthetics, and the soft tissue paradigm. A true orthodontic innovator, Dr. Sarver has spent decades shaping the future of the profession through clinical excellence, academic mentorship, and esthetic-driven treatment planning.

On this episode, you will discover:

• How Dr. Sarver helped elevate smile arc and facial esthetics from theory to a global orthodontic standard
• The philosophy behind “lifetime transformation” and why long-term relationships matter in orthodontics
• Financial and career wisdom for young orthodontists navigating debt, private practice, and long-term success
• Lessons in leadership, innovation, and mentorship from legends like Dr. William Proffit
• A behind-the-scenes look at writing Dentofacial Esthetics: From Macro to Micro and its real-world impact

Recorded October 24, 2020 at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook, Birmingham, AL.

Generous support for this podcast comes from LightForce Orthodontics and KLOwen Custom Braces.

Join the community of forward-thinking orthodontists and catch up on every episode at illuminateorthopodcast.com — where innovation meets inspiration.

The Illuminate Orthodontic Podcast explores cutting-edge orthodontics and dentistry, offering orthodontists insights on innovation, patient care, custom braces, Invisalign & aligners, and 3D printing — while spotlighting leadership, practice growth, work-life balance, and the business of running a thriving orthodontic practice with creativity and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Brandon Owen is an orthodontist, innovator, and the founder of KLOwen Braces, a custom digital bracket system that is redefining the future of orthodontics. He is the recipient of the first-ever AAO Innovator Award and a passionate advocate for innovation within the orthodontic profession.

On this episode, you will discover:

• How Dr. Owen created an orthodontic bracket system that improves efficiency, outcomes, and doctor time
• Why innovation is essential to the future of orthodontics—and how the profession can take the lead
• Practical advice on bringing your own orthodontic product or idea to market, from IP to licensing
• A unique look into the creation of a 3D-printed TMJ splint and its benefits for treating TMD patients
• The emotional story behind the name KLOwen and how personal purpose can fuel professional innovation

Recorded October 23, 2020 in Fort Yargo State Park, GA.

Generous support for this podcast comes from Digital Orthodontics Hub and Hip Creative.

Join the community of forward-thinking orthodontists and catch up on every episode at illuminateorthopodcast.com — where innovation meets inspiration.

The Illuminate Orthodontic Podcast explores cutting-edge orthodontics and dentistry, offering orthodontists insights on innovation, patient care, custom braces, Invisalign & aligners, and 3D printing — while spotlighting leadership, practice growth, work-life balance, and the business of running a thriving orthodontic practice with creativity and entrepreneurship.