The event was attended by over 1,000 delegates, with guest speakers including world leading orthodontists, researchers, and industry experts. The scientific committee, headed by Chris Laspos, packed a year of learning into a three-day agenda designed to dissect the latest advancements in aligner orthodontics and digital dentistry.
The EAS Conference serves as a premier platform for orthodontic professionals to enhance their clinical skills, exchange knowledge, and stay ahead of emerging trends in aligner therapy. With a diverse programme featuring scientific sessions, hands-on workshops, and symposia, attendees gained invaluable insights into cutting-edge techniques and technologies shaping the future of orthodontics.
Conference chair Gina Theodoridis who opened proceedings, commented, “The 2025 EAS Conference in Rhodes is where history meets innovation. This meeting is designed so delegates will not just keep pace, they will lead. They will learn about research which will help them promote clinical excellence, and to collaborate as scientists and colleagues, to promote better care for their patients”.
Chris added, “We are here to celebrate innovation and excellence – and the remarkable growth of the EAS which has become a global hub of orthodontic thought and knowledge. This meeting brings meaningful innovation to the forefront, where brilliant minds in the field of orthodontics can have a spirited discussion about the future of aligner therapy. We want to build something which benefits patients and creates the next generation of aligner orthodontists. We want people to have an unforgettable experience.”
The plenary lectures provided insights on a range of topics including aligner materials, auxiliaries, 3D treatment design, treatment planning and interdisciplinary cases, as well as addressing additional alignment benefits such as the treatment of TMJ and airway expansion.
Staying ahead of the curve
Many of the plenary and workshop speakers presented ground-breaking research, clinical applications, and future trends, ensuring attendees stay ahead of the curve in the fast-evolving digital landscape of aligner orthodontics. What they revealed was that aligner therapy continues to benefit from rapid advancements in materials, artificial intelligence-driven treatment planning, and digital workflows. Recurring themes in the clinical presentations included:
- Neoteric aligner materials - the dynamics of new material properties in multi-layers, thickness or with shape memory, enhance treatment efficacy by improving tooth movement efficiencies, while offering greater flexibility and comfort.
- 3D printing and customisation – to enable the creation of highly personalised aligners - with a variety of trim lines - and attachments - created directly in the aligner material - leading to improved precision in orthodontic treatments (and the avoidance of allergy related rejection).
- 3D treatment design - in clear aligner therapy enables precise planning of tooth movements through dynamic digital simulations, improving treatment accuracy and predictability.
- AI-powered treatment planning - sophisticated AI used to optimise treatment protocols and predict outcomes more accurately.
- In-house aligner production - with the advent of novel hardware, software, resin and light curing technologies, orthodontists have the ability to manufacture aligners within their own clinics, lowering costs and enhancing customisation options.
- Hybrid treatments - TADs, elastics, and auxiliaries are being used creatively to manage complex tooth movements and provide additional anchorage and enhance the effectiveness of aligner therapy.
- Integral treatment - mandibular advancement, palatal expansion and occlusal blocks are all being built into aligners, making treatments move comfortable for young patients.
- Remote monitoring allows orthodontists to digitally track patient progress, significantly reducing the need for in-office visits.
These advancements are making aligner therapy more efficient, accessible, and patient-friendly, and are completely redefining orthodontic care.
Real-world applications
A number of the clinicians illustrated their presentations with real-world case studies, demonstrating how advanced aligner techniques are addressing many of the more complex orthodontic challenges. These case presentations provided attendees with a greater discernment about ways to achieve precision in tooth movement and troubleshoot difficult cases in practice.
Future trends
The future of aligner orthodontics is being shaped by AI-powered treatment planning, 3D printing, and eco-friendly materials. Expert presenters predicted that aligners will become even more efficient, customisable, and accessible, and will allow shorter treatment times and expanded use for complex orthodontic cases. Additionally, remote monitoring is expected to play an even larger role, allowing orthodontists to track patient progress with digital scans and AI-driven analysis. These advancements will enhance precision, reduce chair time, and improve the patient experience. They will also allow practitioners to grow their practices more effectively and give them an improved quality of life.
Team dynamics
Patient demand for comfortable, aesthetic, and efficient orthodontic treatment is driving improvements in aligner therapy, and some of the sessions explored strategies for enhancing patient compliance, minimising treatment time and practice visits, and integrating digital monitoring tools to provide a superior experience.
A dedicated team session was curated to help the whole orthodontic team to achieve improved practice workflows, diary management strategies, patient management and remote monitoring. With aligner therapy gaining widespread adoption, regulatory frameworks and ethical considerations are becoming increasingly important. Some of the sessions addressed potential issues such as patient safety, informed consent, treatment transparency, and the role of AI in clinical decision-making to ensure the most responsible and effective orthodontic care.
Other sessions were designed to help develop a greater personal awareness, an understanding of team dynamics and patient-centric psychological insights. There were also marketing and business development sessions to support practice growth.
Industry partnerships
Innovation thrives best through collaboration between orthodontists, researchers, and manufacturers and the EAS Conference provided an opportunity for delegates to meet clinical advisors from many of the leading companies to advance their understanding of specific new technological advances. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in interactive hands-on workshops hosted by manufacturers which focussed on techniques such as attachment placement, troubleshooting difficult movements, and digital scanning workflows.
The need for greater social responsibility was also featured, as Karen Jacques, chair of Operation Smile, EAS’ charitable partner, took to the stage to explain the work of the organisation to help young people with clef lip and palate conditions in the developing world. She explained how EAS’ long-term support for Operation Smile will change the lives of a significant number of youngsters, and their families by giving them access to safe medical care. They also work towards empowering local healthcare workers through training and mentorship, to build local capacity and skills to deliver surgical and ongoing care to their communities.
Beyond education, the EAS Conference fostered meaningful connections among orthodontists, industry leaders, and emerging talent. A number of social events and networking opportunities, including a concluding party in the dramatic dome of the conference centre, allowed attendees to exchange ideas, build collaborations, and become more engaged with the global orthodontic community.
The committee revealed that the next EAS Conference will take place in Brussels, Belgium between April 16 to 18, 2026.
It was also announced that the European Aligner Society is expanding to the USA, and its first event is the EAS North America Aligner Forum. For several years, the organisation has set the standard in Europe by hosting cutting-edge aligner meetings and workshops. It is now transporting this collaborative exchange of knowledge and innovation to North America to foster global community excellence in aligner orthodontics. The ground-breaking Forum, Bridging Industry and Clinical Excellence, will spearhead a knowledge exchange between US and European experts in aligner therapy and digital dentistry. The meeting is set to take place in Seattle, USA, between August 29 and 30, 2025.
For more information visit www.eas-aligners.com/eas-north-america-aligner-forum