Aligner Mastery: Managing the Airway - Compromised Patient

This comprehensive two-day course is designed to help clinicians master aligner treatment planning, mechanics, and integration with skeletal expansion techniques like MARPE. Participants will gain a deep understanding of orthodontic diagnosis, case setup, and treatment planning—from the initial facial analysis to retention protocols. The course blends lecture-based learning, clinical demonstrations, and hands-on activities for both doctors and assistants.

Day 1: Diagnosis, Planning, and Clinical Applications

The first day focuses on developing a strong diagnostic foundation and translating it into predictable treatment plans. Participants will learn how to evaluate facial and dental structures, create problem lists, and establish treatment goals. The session then progresses into planning orthodontic movements, aligner mechanics, and effective attachment selection.

Through detailed case reviews, attendees will explore:

• Step-by-step case diagnosis and treatment goal setting

• Creating and interpreting problem lists

• Planning orthodontic movements and mechanics using aligners

• Understanding aligner biomechanics—anchorage, extrusion, intrusion, rotations, and class corrections

• MARPE and aligner integration, including diastema control protocols

• Finishing expansion cases and retention strategies

Hands-on components include diagnosis worksheets, ClinCheck setup exercises, and reviewing aligner cases to identify common errors and challenges. The day concludes with sessions on using TADs with aligners to enhance control over complex movements.

Day 2: Retention and Hands-On Practice

The second day emphasizes finishing and retention techniques. Participants will perform hands-on exercises in fixed retainer placement, bonding, and maintenance. Assistants will receive additional training in clinical setup and chairside protocols, including cheek retraction, field isolation, and bonding preparation.

Hands-on sessions include:

• Fixed retainer fabrication and placement

• Orthodontic bonding systems and materials

• Retention protocols following expansion

• Assistant-focused training on prep setup and field management

All participants will also engage in live clinical case demonstrations and attendee case reviews, applying the diagnostic and treatment planning principles learned throughout the course.

Meet the Instructor:

Dr. Ilya Lipkin is a board-certified orthodontist and is a member of ASAP Pathway. He owns a private practice in New Jersey, and he completed his residency in Orthodontics at the NYU College of Dentistry.

He also worked as a sleep technician while going to school and has a deep understanding of airways and sleeps from that perspective. Ilya practices comprehensive dentistry from an orthodontic standpoint, balancing aesthetics, function, and anatomy.

Testimonial: