Event Reports
2026/08/29 (SAT)
The 3rd Japan In-House Aligner Orthodontics Conference Report
The 3rd Japan In-House Aligner Orthodontics Conference
The 3rd Japan In-House Aligner Orthodontics Conference was held on August 29–30, 2026, at Tokyo Portcity Takeshiba Hall. Here is a report on the proceedings.
The conference was once again chaired by Dr. Kenji Ojima (Smile Innovation Orthodontics), who has led this meeting since founding the Japan Academy of Aligner Orthodontics (JAAO).
The Japan In-House Aligner Orthodontics Conference is organized under JAAO with the aim of promoting and advancing techniques for in-house aligner treatment using Shape Memory Aligners. Now in its 3rd edition following the 1st and 2nd meetings, the conference welcomed a large number of doctors from Japan and abroad.
Day one opened with Dr. Kenji Ojima’s lecture, “The Frontline of In-House Aligner Orthodontics: 2026 Version.” This was followed by “Learning from AAO 2026″ presented by Dr. Chisato Dan and Dr. Yuriko Kumagai (Smile Innovation Orthodontics), and a report from Dr. Hitoshi Watanabe and Dr. Takayuki Sono on the activities of domestic Graphy Aligner users — sessions that offered practical, immediately applicable insights.
The latter part of the morning featured Dr. Shoji Yamaguchi and Dr. Emu Yamaguchi on techniques for avoiding the “bowing effect” in premolar extraction cases, Dr. Ritsuko Kurihara on “The Future Envisioned by 5th-Generation Aligners,” and Dr. Miho Hayashi on shifting the mindset from “aligning teeth” to “creating occlusion,” along with her reasons for choosing Shape Memory Aligners.
In the afternoon, a wide range of topics was presented: Dr. Kenji Nakaya on 3D-printing workflows and clinical cases combining implant restorations with Shape Memory Aligners; Dr. Eriko Marukawa and Dr. Kenji Ojima on cases combining Graphy Aligner with implants; Dr. Tatsuya Aiyama and dental hygienist Kaori Hayashi on team-based approaches to managing pediatric aligner treatment; Dr. Yuji Hasegawa comparing outsourced and in-house aligner fabrication in prosthodontic treatment; Dr. Hiroaki Igari on a comprehensive approach combining implants with Graphy Aligner; and Dr. Naoko Otawa on a new approach to extraction cases with Graphy Aligner.
Day one concluded with a lecture by the internationally renowned orthodontist Dr. Ravi Nanda (USA), “Biomechanics for Shape Memory Aligner.” Drawing on decades of clinical experience, his biomechanical perspective on the potential of Shape Memory Aligners generated great excitement in the hall. A networking reception followed, giving attendees the opportunity to connect with one another.
Day two began with Dr. Kenji Ojima’s “Shape Memory Aligner Strategy 2026″ and a case report from Dr. Shimpei Murakami on combining the Benefit System with Shape Memory Aligners. This was followed by a special three-part lecture, totaling three hours, by Dr. Benedict Wilmes (Germany), the developer of the Benefit System and one of the most sought-after speakers in the field worldwide. Centered on palatal anchorage systems, his lecture packed in practical content on improving the efficiency of molar control in non-extraction cases.
In the afternoon, Dalson Yun (Korea) presented “K-pop, K-drama, K-setup — A New Paradigm for In-House Clear Aligner Fabrication,” and Jong-Hyeon Lee (Korea) presented “Controlled, Not Just Aligned: Precision Tooth Movement with Shape Memory Aligners,” offering a look at the latest developments in in-house aligner orthodontics in Korea. Domestic speakers Dr. Masaharu Ariga and Dr. Motomu Kudo followed, the latter addressing in-house aligners for malocclusion accompanied by temporomandibular disorder. Dr. Kenji Ojima then gave closing remarks, bringing the two-day program to a close.
The field of in-house aligner orthodontics is expected to continue expanding alongside advances in software, materials, and 3D printing technology. The Japan In-House Aligner Orthodontics Conference will continue to serve as a venue for sharing the latest knowledge from Japan and abroad, providing doctors with learning opportunities that benefit their daily clinical practice.
We hope this report will be of use in your future clinical work.
For inquiries about the Japan Academy of Aligner Orthodontics, please contact us here.
The Japan Academy of Aligner Orthodontics is a study group for aligner orthodontists dedicated to sharing and deepening knowledge of aligner orthodontic treatment across all aligner systems, in order to provide care tailored to the needs of every patient. Please feel free to reach out to us by email.
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