What Orthodontists Will Take Away from AAO 2026 in Orlando

Insights from Renew Digital + Voxel Dental

The American Association of Orthodontists Annual Session 2026 is right around the corner, and this year’s event in Orlando, Florida promises to be one of the most impactful yet for clinicians, innovators, and practice leaders alike.

As trusted partners to orthodontic practices—through Renew Digital’s imaging solutions and Voxel Dental’s digital workflow expertise—we’re excited to share what attendees will be talking about long after the show floor closes.

Here’s a preview of the key takeaways we expect orthodontists to walk away with from AAO 2026.

1. Advanced CBCT Workflows Are Becoming Everyday Practice Tools

CBCT isn’t just for specialists anymore—orthodontists are realizing its value in:

• Airway analysis and sleep-focused cases
• Skeletal asymmetry and growth evaluation
• Precision virtual treatment planning

Thanks to more affordable systems (especially pre-owned options from Renew Digital), practices of all sizes are integrating 3D imaging to elevate diagnostics and patient communication.

👉 Key takeaway: Whether upgrading from 2D or expanding existing CBCT use, the message will be clear: 3D is an expectation—not a luxury.

2. Data-Driven Ortho Decisions With AI & Predictive Analytics

Artificial intelligence is no longer “future tech”—it’s here, and orthodontists are using it for:

• Automated landmarking and cephalometric analysis
• Treatment outcome prediction
• Automated airway and airway volume analysis

AI plugins are rapidly becoming standard additions to both CBCT and intraoral scanning platforms, reducing chair time and enhancing diagnostic confidence.

Voxel Dental’s note:

AI isn’t replacing clinicians—it’s unburdening them so they can focus on precision and patient care, not mundane data tasks.

3. Intraoral Scanners Are Officially Essential—Not Optional

If AAO 2026 has a quiet centerpiece, it’s intraoral scanning. Expect discussions around:

• Faster, more accurate digital impressions
• Aligner integration (Invisalign, ClearCorrect, SureSmile)
• Time-lapse monitoring for growth and progress
• AI-enhanced scans and simplified workflows

Renew Digital continues to see strong demand for subscription-free intraoral scanners and scanners that plug-and-play into existing practice management systems.

🟢 Pro tip: Many ortho practices that integrate scanning into initial consults see higher case acceptance rates—a direct bottom-line win.

4. Practice Growth & Business Models Take Center Stage

AAO has always been clinical—but 2026 brings business strategy into sharp focus, including:

• Opening and staffing satellite offices
• Adding multidisciplinary services (e.g., airway, early growth intervention)
• Patient finance and acceptance strategies
• Retention and referral growth
• Profit centers beyond braces (e.g., CBCT-driven diagnostics; scans + analysis)

Demand for quality appointments and ancillary services continues to rise. Orthodontists won’t just leave with clinical pearls—they’ll leave with systems thinking on how to scale their practices profitably.

5. Tool Integration Matters More Than Ever

Fragmented tech creates friction. This year, the conversation will spotlight:

✔ Seamless CBCT ↔ Practice Management
✔ Scanner ↔ Lab/aligner integration
✔ Cloud-enabled sharing and remote consult workflows
✔ Multi-location digital image accessibility

Voxel Dental specialists anticipate that orthodontists will prioritize connected ecosystems rather than point solutions—even at the intersection of imaging, digital planning, and outcome tools.

6. Hands-On Learning & Real-World Case Studies

AAO 2026 isn’t just lectures—there will be tangible, real-world sessions on:

• Managing complex airway cases with CBCT
• Crossbite and asymmetry treatments
• Virtual planning for orthognathic cases
• Reducing radiation dose while optimizing diagnostic value
• Case acceptance strategies using digital visualization

Clinicians who prefer application over theory will find these sessions especially valuable.

Final Thoughts: AAO 2026 Will Shape the Next Decade of Ortho Practice

Orthodontics is no longer siloed—it’s digital, data-driven, and patient-centric. From advanced CBCT adoption to AI-assisted workflows, from scanner integration to refined practice models, AAO Orlando 2026 will help orthodontists:

📌 Work smarter
📌 Grow sustainably
📌 Communicate cases more effectively
📌 Serve patients more meaningfully

And if you’re thinking about upgrading your imaging technology—whether it’s upgrading to 3D, adding a scanner, or selling your existing system—Renew Digital and Voxel Dental are here to help you do it confidently and cost-effectively.

Connect With Us at AAO 2026

Planning to attend AAO Orlando? Let’s meet.
Whether it’s to talk imaging, digital workflows, or practice growth strategy, our teams at Renew Digital and Voxel Dental would love to connect.

👉 Book a meeting or request a quote before you go:
📧 Renew Digital (Certified Pre-Owned Digital Imaging): info@renewdigital.com
📧 Voxel Dental (Digital Workflow Technologies & Consultants): info@voxeldental.com

See you in Orlando!