Early orthodontic treatment is transforming how practitioners approach phase one treatment for growing patients. In this episode of the Golden Age Of Orthodontics, hosts Dr. Leon Klempner and Amy Epstein welcome Dr. Don Spillers, a board-certified orthodontist and leading voice in Invisalign First therapy. Dr. Spillers shares how clear aligners for kids are revolutionizing pediatric orthodontics, offering superior compliance, better hygiene, and remarkable arch development without traditional metal appliances. The conversation explores the business impact of treating patients at age seven versus only offering observation, the role of digital orthodontics in the growth of modern practice, and the best age to start orthodontic treatment for children.

What you will Learn in this Episode:

• How early orthodontic treatment with Invisalign First delivers superior patient compliance and clinical outcomes compared to traditional orthodontic appliances like palatal expanders and headgear

• The business impact of implementing aligner therapy for growing patients – including how observation and recall strategies may be costing your practice significant patient attrition to competitors

• Why digital orthodontics is revolutionizing phase one treatment with innovations like the Invisalign palatal expander, mandibular advancement wings, and complete digital workflow integration

• How treating children during active growth phases supports airway development and arch development, often eliminating the need for primary or permanent tooth extractions

Subscribe to the Golden Age of Orthodontics and our sister podcast, Practice Talk, hosted by Lacey Ellis, wherever you listen to stay updated on orthodontic innovation and real-world practice strategies. Visit People in Practice for more insights and to connect with our team for practice growth solutions.

TIMESTAMPS: 

00:00 Introduction to early orthodontic treatment debate, the evolution of phase one treatment with clear aligners and personal insights from Dr. Leon and Amy Epstein

02:34 Meet Dr. Spillers

09:55 Dr. Don Spillers' journey from Invisalign skeptic to faculty member, teaching digital orthodontics and aligner therapy worldwide

15:43 Patient experience and business impact of implementing Invisalign First – including compliance advantages and practice growth from 30% early intervention orthodontics

19:21 Clinical innovations, including Invisalign palatal expander, mandibular advancement wings, and CBCT integration, showing bone change and airway benefits

28:00 The marketing reality of observation versus treatment – why delaying orthodontic treatment leads to patient attrition and the future of digital pediatric orthodontics by 2030

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Early orthodontic treatment with Invisalign First offers a complete digital workflow from scanning to retention, with new tools including the Invisalign palatal expander, mandibular advancement wings, and occlusal blocks – providing every appliance needed to treat growing patients without traditional metal devices

• Children ages 7-8 demonstrate superior compliance compared to teenagers, with parents reporting kids remind them when it's time to change aligners – plus treatment causes no pain, allows normal eating and sports, and improves hygiene compared to traditional orthodontic appliances

• Practices implementing phase one treatment with aligner therapy experience significant business growth, as observation strategies lead to substantial patient attrition to competitors – moms want immediate action when they identify problems, not years of waiting

• Arch development through early intervention creates space without extracting primary or permanent teeth, positively impacts airway development, and can be visualized for parents through CBCT integration and ClinCheck comparisons showing actual bone change

ABOUT THE GUEST: 

Orthodontics has been my passion since I wore braces as a teen. It is not just a job; it has truly become my calling. I believe my chosen profession is a tool to help others by giving them a more beautiful, healthy, lifelong smile. There is nothing more rewarding than to change the lives of others. A beautiful smile can change more than just outward appearance. For many patients, a new smile is a life-changing event. I have truly been blessed to practice in my home town. In return, my life has been so enriched by the people I have been able to help; it is what continues to drive me. Specialties: Exceptional Orthodontic Care, Growth Modification, Sleep Apnea, Temporomandibular Disfunction (TMD)

Dr. Spillers - Email

Dr. Spillers - LinkedIn

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

People + Practice  - Website 

Practice Talk

QUOTES: 

"If we can get these kids while they're growing the majority of the time we do not have to take teeth, even primary teeth. So that's been a big change in our practice because I was the guy, if you came and you were crowded, you were gonna get primary teeth extracted." - Dr. Don Spillers

"Why make a kid go from seven years old to 12 years old with severe overbite and feeling bad about how things look? You can't buy self-esteem and you can't go back. So we see it as an opportunity to change how they're growing, change their self-esteem and truly change their life." - Dr. Don Spillers

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