Ep 85 - 2026 AAO Innovator Award Winner Dr. Mehdi Peikar on the Future of Custom Braces

Orthodontics is entering a new era of personalization, precision, and digital efficiency. In this episode of the Golden Age of Orthodontics, Dr. Leon Klempner and Amy Epstein sit down with 2026 AAO Innovator Award winner Dr. Mehdi Peikar, founder of CeleBrace, to explore how artificial intelligence and fully customized braces are changing the future of treatment.Drawing on his unique background in orthodontics, biomechanics, engineering, and physics, Dr. Peikar shares the clinical challenges that inspired the development of CeleBrace and explains how digital workflows can bring the same level of planning and personalization to fixed appliances that orthodontists have come to expect from aligner therapy. The conversation covers everything from AI-assisted treatment planning and bracket positioning to the advantages of fully customized prescriptions, indirect bonding, and digital case presentation.The discussion also explores the business side of innovation, including how digital treatment systems can improve efficiency, reduce appointments, shorten treatment times, and create a more compelling patient experience. Dr. Peikar shares what he has learned from treating thousands of cases with CeleBrace and why he believes customization will play a central role in the next phase of orthodontic care.In this episode, you'll learn:Why Dr. Peikar believes orthodontics is rapidly moving toward fully digital workflowsHow AI supports treatment planning, bracket positioning, and appliance designWhat makes a fully customized bracket system different from traditional prescriptionsHow digital indirect bonding can improve efficiency and reduce treatment visitsWays technology can enhance patient education and case acceptanceWhat orthodontists are reporting after implementing custom digital bracesHow personalized treatment systems may help practices differentiate themselves in a competitive marketWhy Dr. Peikar sees customization as the future of fixed appliance therapy