The Bracket Comeback: Why Braces Are Gaining Ground Over Aligners

Guest: Darren Buddemeyer, CEO of DynaFlex Episode Description: While clear aligners have dominated orthodontic conversations in recent years, new industry data indicates a shift back toward traditional braces. In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, sponsored by DynaFlex, host Alison Werner talks with Darren Buddemeyer, CEO of DynaFlex, about the renewed interest in the bracket category and how the technology is evolving to meet modern clinical demands. Drawing on his more than 30 years of experience growing DynaFlex from a small lab into a major manufacturer, Buddemeyer explores why many orthodontists are rediscovering the predictability and control of fixed appliances. Tune in to hear the clinical drivers behind this trend, how innovations in self-ligation and optimized slot sizes are increasing practice efficiency, and the latest engineering advancements in aesthetic ceramic brackets. Key Takeaways: The Bracket Resurgence: The clinical factors driving the renewed demand for orthodontic brackets over clear aligners. Tackling Complex Cases: Which cases—including Class II and Class III corrections—often benefit from the predictable control of fixed appliances. Practice Efficiency: How advancements in self-ligation and optimized bracket slot sizes (like the Norris system) are improving treatment times. Aesthetic Advancements: The engineering challenges of developing clear ceramic brackets that aim to perform with the durability of metal. Arch Development: How the rising trend of early arch development integrates with and simplifies subsequent bracket or aligner phases. Chapters: 01:08 - The Shift Back to Braces: Data and Clinical Drivers 04:41 - Which Complex Cases Benefit Most from Brackets 06:28 - Evolution of the Bracket Category & Self-Ligation 08:19 - Improving Practice Efficiency with Modern Bracket Systems 10:02 - Engineering Aesthetic Brackets: The Norris Clear System 11:54 - Balancing Aligners and Brackets in Your Case Mix 13:07 - DynaFlex's Roadmap and Innovations 14:44 - The Role of a Full-Service Lab & Early Arch Development 16:56 - Future Innovations in the Bracket Space About the Guest: Darren Buddemeyer is the CEO of DynaFlex. He has led the company for more than 30 years, growing it from a small lab into a major global manufacturer of orthodontic products, appliances, and dental sleep medicine devices. ----- 👉 Connect & Subscribe Podcast: Apple | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube Like 👍, comment 💬, and subscribe 🔔 for future episodes. VISIT ORTHODONTIC PRODUCTS: https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/ SUBSCRIBE to THE OP NEWSLETTER: https://info.medqor.com/opsubform INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/orthoproductsmag/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OrthoProducts/ LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortho-products/ Have a question for a future episode? Drop it in the comments or email [email protected] #Orthodontics #Braces #ClearAligners #OrthodonticBrackets #DynaFlex #OrthodonticProducts #DentalPodcast #SelfLigatingBrackets