Contemporary Orthodontic Strategies for Predictable Clinical Outcomes

This lecture provides participants with advanced clinical insights into the biomechanics and force
systems of shape memory aligners to improve the predictability and efficiency of tooth movement,
enhance case selection and management, and effectively address clinical challenges for optimal
outcomes. Emphasis is placed on integrating facial aesthetics into goal-driven orthodontic planning
to achieve balanced and predictable aesthetic results, while also identifying early malocclusions and
airway-related concerns. Attendees will learn to apply interceptive strategies that support airway
development, coordinate early orthodontic and restorative interventions, and ultimately enhance long
term functional and restorative outcomes through a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to care.

1. Understand the biomechanics and force systems of shape memory aligners
2. Improve predictability and efficiency of tooth movement
3. Select and manage cases using shape memory aligner therapy
4. Address clinical challenges for optimal treatment outcomes
5. Integrate facial aesthetics into goal-driven orthodontic planning
6. Achieve balanced, predictable aesthetic outcomes
7. Identify early malocclusions and airway-related concerns
8. Apply interceptive strategies to support airway development
9. Coordinate early orthodontic and restorative interventions
10. Enhance long-term functional and restorative outcomes

Ravindra Nanda, BDS, MDS, PhD, PhD (Hon.)

Dr. Ravindra Nanda is Professor Emeritus and former Head of the Division of Orthodontics at the University of Connecticut, Farmington, and currently serves as Adjunct Professor at The ADA Forsyth Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He received his dental and orthodontic training at K.G.M. College, Lucknow, India, earned a PhD from the University of Nijmegen in The Netherlands, and completed his orthodontic certificate at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Nanda is Past President of the North Atlantic Component of the Angle Society and an Honorary Fellow of the WFO.

He has delivered prestigious lectures at AAO meetings and the EOS Congress and has received numerous honors from international orthodontic organizations. His work has focused extensively on biomechanics, temporary anchorage devices, and advances in orthodontic care, with current emphasis on the clinical applications of Shape Memory Aligners. A highly sought-after speaker, Dr. Nanda has authored more than 300 scientific papers, served as Emeritus Editor-in-Chief of Progress in Orthodontics, and written twelve textbooks, including an upcoming volume on aligner treatment planning. Disclosure: Dr. Ravindra Nanda has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

L. Douglas Knight, DMD

Dr. L. Douglas Knight completed the Roth/Williams two-year program in Functional Occlusion and his orthodontic training at New York University in 1995. He previously served on the faculty at the Center for Functional Occlusion and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. He earned his dental degree from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry and completed a General Practice Residency with the U.S. Army Dental Corps.

Dr. Knight has been widely recognized for his leadership and contributions to the specialty, including the Roth Williams International Society of Orthodontists Pacesetter Award, the Hardin County Schools Distinguished Alumni Award, and Rotarian of the Year honors. He currently serves as U.S. Director of the Roth Williams International Society of Orthodontists. An active clinician, author, and educator, Dr. Knight maintains two orthodontic practices, lectures nationally, has published in the Academy of General Dentistry and the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics, and recently authored FACE Book: Functional and Cosmetic Dentistry. He also founded an interdisciplinary training group that brings together dental and medical teams from across the country. Disclosure: Dr. L. Douglas Knight has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.