The Orthopreneurs Podcast with Dr. Glenn Krieger

What if I told you one of the biggest reasons your orthodontic results don't last has nothing to do with braces or aligners?As orthodontists, we're trained to move teeth—but lasting results depend on much more than mechanics. In this episode, I sit down with Autumn Henning, speech-language pathologist, certified orofacial myologist, founder of Chrysalis Orofacial, and one of the leading educators in the myofunctional therapy world, to talk about something every orthodontist should understand: oral function matters.We dive into what myofunctional therapy actually is, why airway treatment requires an interdisciplinary approach, and why no single provider—or appliance—can solve every airway or sleep-related issue. Autumn explains how speech, swallowing, breathing, tongue posture, and orthodontics all work together, and why better diagnosis always leads to better outcomes. If you're treating growing patients—or simply want more stable orthodontic results—this episode will change how you think about collaboration and patient care.*Quotes*"Protocols are probabilities. They work a lot of the time, but they're never going to work 100% of the time." *— Autumn Henning*"I believe there's a reason for everything. I don't accept 'idiopathic' without asking why." *— Autumn Henning**Key Takeaways*Intro (00:00)Autumn's background & oral function trifecta (01:59)How Chrysalis and Touch Training were created (03:51)Why orthodontics can't solve airway problems alone (04:49)What myofunctional therapy actually is (06:21)Hardware vs. software (09:16)Why interdisciplinary care matters (11:31)What happens during a myofunctional evaluation? (22:03)Virtual vs. in-person therapy (25:11)Treatment timeline & investment (27:44)Why school speech therapy often misses these patients (34:05)The future of airway treatment is collaboration (37:11)*🟦 Additional Resources*If you've ever wondered whether myofunctional therapy belongs in your practice—or how it fits into airway treatment—this episode is the perfect place to start. The more I learn about airway and sleep-disordered breathing, the more convinced I become that great outcomes come from great teams, not individual providers.If you want to dive deeper, join us at the Orthopreneurs Airway Symposium in Scottsdale, where Autumn will be one of our featured speakers alongside orthodontists, ENTs, oral surgeons, sleep physicians, and other experts focused on interdisciplinary care.- Airway Meeting: https://opairway.com- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/*To connect with Autumn directly:*📧 [email protected]📸 Instagram: @chrysalisorofacial1

What if I told you the biggest threat to your orthodontic practice isn’t aligners, competition, or GPs doing ortho—it’s your inability to let go of the wrong work?In this Five Minute Friday, I’m talking about one of the most common mistakes I see orthodontists make when adopting new technology: trying to “make it their own” before they let it actually do what it was designed to do. Whether it’s remote monitoring, financial follow-up, aligners, or any other system, too many doctors create stress by micromanaging tools that are supposed to make their lives easier.I break down why outsourcing isn’t a weakness—it’s one of the keys to operational efficiency. If you want your team focused on the work that truly moves the practice forward, you have to stop burdening them with tasks that can be done better, faster, and more consistently by people trained specifically to do them. The future of orthodontics belongs to doctors who do great ortho, lead well, and build systems that let their team focus on what matters most.💬Quotes“The greatest existential crisis to our profession is not at-home aligners anymore. It’s not GPs doing ortho. It’s the workplace.”— Dr. Glenn Krieger“You don’t need to micromanage. You don’t need to make these things your problem.”— Dr. Glenn Krieger🎯 Key TakeawaysIntro: The biggest crisis facing orthodontics today (00:00)Why remote monitoring improves patient care (00:39)The mistake orthodontists make when adopting new technology (02:45)Why trying to “make it your own” creates unnecessary stress (03:37)The dishwasher analogy: why you don’t need to understand every internal process (04:43)Where doctors and teams should actually focus their energy (06:39)Why outsourcing helps solve the staffing and efficiency problem (08:56)Final call: Try remote response and clean up your systems (09:21)🟦 Additional ResourcesI’ve seen firsthand how operational efficiency can lower stress, protect your team, improve patient care, and help your practice make more money.If you’re using DentalMonitoring—or thinking about it—don’t make the mistake of trying to build everything yourself first. Let Remote Response help you set up your dashboard, create better protocols, and take the pressure off your team. DM me directly if you have questions, and try it for 60 days. If it doesn’t change your life, you don’t have to stay.- Airway Meeting: https://web.orthopreneurs.com/arizonasleepandairway2026 - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

What if I told you the future of clear aligners isn't about cheaper plastic—it's about building a more efficient, more profitable, and less stressful orthodontic practice?In this episode of The Orthopreneurs Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Blake Davis, a practicing orthodontist who owns three successful practices and helped develop Olive—a new orthodontist-only clear aligner system designed with one goal in mind: helping orthodontists reclaim their time without sacrificing clinical excellence. Rather than focusing solely on aligners, we dive into how better systems, remote monitoring, thoughtful technology, and streamlined workflows can fundamentally change the way you practice.💬Quotes"Quality is the one thing that stands strong throughout. It's a race to the top, not to the bottom."— Dr. Blake Davis "What's best for the patient is best for our practice."— Dr. Blake Davis 🎯 Key TakeawaysIntro (00:39)Meet Dr. Blake Davis and why efficiency matters when running three practices (01:09)What Olive is and why it was built by orthodontists for orthodontists (02:24)How integrated systems improve profitability and give doctors their time back (03:00)What makes Olive different from traditional aligner companies (05:11)Why reducing refinements is one of the biggest keys to efficiency (07:37)How remote monitoring is fully integrated into every case (09:03)The premium patient experience—from packaging to treatment workflow (10:01)Why staffing shortages make technology more important than ever (12:10)How outsourcing monitoring reduces workload without sacrificing care (13:08)The clinical philosophy behind Olive's aligner design (16:10)Addressing concerns about the company's direct-to-consumer origins (18:04)Why great systems—not just great plastic—create better outcomes (21:36)How digital workflows improve chair time and patient experience (24:01)The financial impact of remote monitoring on overhead (28:01)Why orthodontists should stop racing to the bottom on price (30:07)Aligners, efficiency, and the future of the modern orthodontic practice (35:11)Final thoughts on innovation, technology, and embracing change (41:22) 🟦 Additional ResourcesI've seen firsthand how the right technology can transform an orthodontic practice—but only when it's implemented as part of a complete system, not just another product. If you're looking for ways to reduce chair time, improve efficiency, and build a practice that's prepared for the future, this episode is worth your time.🎧 Listen to the full conversation and let me know what you think.For questions about Olive, Dr. Blake Davis has offered to connect with listeners.Visit: https://www.olivortho.com - Airway Meeting: https://web.orthopreneurs.com/arizonasleepandairway2026 - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

What if I told you the reason your practice isn’t growing isn’t your marketing, your team, or your patients—it’s your systems?In this Five Minute Friday, I’m challenging orthodontists to take an honest look at their operational efficiency. Too many practices assume their systems are working simply because the practice is surviving. But surviving is not the same as scaling, and “good enough” might be exactly what’s keeping you from building a more profitable, less stressful practice.I break down why bringing in the right technology and expert support early—whether it’s remote monitoring, financial systems, scheduling, or front desk workflows—can save you time, reduce staffing dependency, and make your practice more profitable. This episode is a reminder that being penny-wise and pound-foolish with technology can cost you far more than the investment itself. 💬Quotes“The biggest mistake you make is thinking you know more than you do.”— Dr. Glenn Krieger “If you want to work less, if you want to make more money, the key is operational efficiency.”— Dr. Glenn Krieger 🎯 Key TakeawaysIntro: Your systems are not as good as you think they are (00:00)Why “good” is the enemy of great in orthodontic practices (00:53)The danger of thinking you know more than the experts (01:42)Why outsourcing first can help you build better systems long term (02:44)How inefficient workflows quietly hurt your patients and team (03:03)Why orthodontists become penny-wise and pound-foolish with technology (05:44)How technology can help you rely less on staffing and more on systems (06:23)The future of virtual front desk and concierge systems (06:53)Final challenge: Be honest about your operational efficiency (07:40)🟦 Additional ResourcesI’ve seen firsthand how the right technology and systems can help orthodontists work less, make more, and reduce the chaos inside their practices.If you’re using DentalMonitoring, struggling with your dashboard, or wondering whether your systems are actually as efficient as you think, reach out to me. Whether you use Remote Response or not, I’m happy to help you look at your systems and find ways to make your practice run better, faster, and more profitably.- Airway Meeting: https://web.orthopreneurs.com/arizonasleepandairway2026 - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

In this episode, I'm joined by my good friend Oliver Gelles, Global Head of Communications at DentalMonitoring and one of the most respected minds in orthodontics when it comes to industry trends, technology, and practice growth. We have an honest conversation about why so many orthodontists struggle to implement innovation, how demographic shifts are changing the future of our profession, and why simply "dabbling" in technology is often more expensive than fully committing to it.Whether you're feeling stuck, dealing with staffing challenges, or wondering how to grow in a changing market, this episode will challenge the way you think about your practice and give you practical strategies to future-proof your business.💬Quotes"The more a technology can change your practice, it is correlated almost one-to-one with the amount of change it will likely require."— Oliver Gelles"Find one angle this year that you're going to change. If not this, find one thing."— Oliver Gelles🎯 Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Meet Oliver Gelles & why his industry perspective matters (02:21)Why orthodontics is innovating—but treatment efficiency hasn't changed enough (06:35)The danger of only partially adopting technology (10:13)Why orthodontists resist change more than they realize (12:40)The biggest business challenges facing practices today: staffing, demographics & growth (16:57)How to rethink patient monitoring and create a better clinical experience (24:19)Building scalable systems through technology and outsourcing (31:38)Why every practice must reinvent itself to continue growing (39:19)Practical ways technology can increase production—not just reduce appointments (42:50)DentalMonitoring Summit & where to continue learning (46:36) 🟦 Additional ResourcesDentalMonitoring Summit🌐 https://dentalmonitoring.com/summitContact Oliver Gelles📧 [email protected] If you're interested in learning more about DentalMonitoring or discussing best practices for implementation, Oliver encourages doctors to reach out directly.If you're ready to stop reacting to the challenges facing orthodontics and start building a practice that's prepared for the future, this episode is for you.Success today isn't about working harder—it's about creating smarter systems, embracing meaningful technology, and being willing to evolve before your competition does.- Airway Meeting: https://web.orthopreneurs.com/arizonasleepandairway2026 - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

What if I told you your practice doesn’t need more chairs, more days, or more team members—it needs you to find the bottleneck that’s quietly killing your capacity?In this episode of Five Minute Friday, I’m talking about something most orthodontists don’t spend nearly enough time thinking about: throughput and capacity. After a recent Orthopreneurs RD Blueprint webinar, I wanted to share a key concept that can completely change the way you look at growth in your practice.Too many orthodontists assume they need to hire another assistant, add another day, bring in an associate, or change the schedule when the real issue is much simpler: there’s a bottleneck somewhere in the system. Whether it’s scheduling, new patient flow, TC capacity, remote monitoring, or clinical chair time, your job as the leader is to identify the constraint, solve it, and then move to the next one.💬Quotes“Never, ever, ever deal with another aspect of that system until the bottleneck itself has been solved.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger“You have a maximum production number you can hit with the resources you currently have, and we know for a fact you are nowhere near that number.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger🎯 Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)The Blueprint series and why business-school concepts matter in orthodontics (00:26)What throughput and capacity mean for your practice growth (01:15)Why bottlenecks must be solved before adding more resources (01:40)The scheduling mistake that makes practices think they’re at capacity (02:04)Why hiring another assistant or adding another day may not solve the real problem (02:28)New patient flow, TC capacity, and hidden constraints (03:25)Remote monitoring as a capacity unlock (04:18)Why most practices are nowhere near their true production potential (05:29)How measuring patient flow can reveal major inefficiencies (06:18)Find the bottleneck, fix it, then move to the next one (07:18)🟦 Additional ResourcesIf this podcast has helped you think differently about your practice, your systems, or your leadership, do me a favor: text two or three orthodontist friends right now and tell them to check out The Orthopreneurs Podcast.That’s how this community grows—and it’s what allows me to keep bringing you conversations that help you build a better practice and a better life.- Airway Meeting: https://web.orthopreneurs.com/arizonasleepandairway2026 - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

Zach spent over a decade in the corporate world at American Airlines before helping build a multi-location healthcare company from the ground up. Along the way, he discovered that many growing businesses don’t need another employee—they need access to the kind of executive-level expertise that helps organizations scale, solve problems, and avoid costly mistakes. Whether it’s finance, operations, marketing, HR, or strategy, Zach explains how fractional C-suite leaders can provide the guidance and experience most practices can't afford to hire full-time.If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to get your practice to the next level, this conversation will help you identify the blind spots that may be holding you back—and show you a practical way to overcome them.💬Quotes“I was the CEO, but I was really the chief everything officer. I was the CFO and the CMO and the janitor and the receptionist—I was wearing too many hats.” — Zach Nathan“Businesses reach a point where they need expertise they can’t afford full-time. That’s exactly where fractional leadership creates value.” — Zach Nathan🎯 Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Why most orthodontists have business blind spots they don’t realize exist (00:51)Zach’s journey from American Airlines executive to healthcare entrepreneur (02:49)What a fractional CFO is—and how it transformed his business (04:06)Why growing businesses need expertise before they can afford full-time executives (06:27)The costly mistake of hiring the wrong leadership role too early (08:50)How fractional leaders help business owners make better strategic decisions (10:53)What a fractional COO can do for an overwhelmed practice owner (18:16)When it makes sense to bring in a fractional CMO (22:16)Why marketing strategy is different from marketing execution (24:10)The role of fractional HR leadership and hiring better people (30:16)How Sweet Leap matches businesses with vetted executive talent (13:18)What orthodontists should expect to invest in fractional leadership (16:44)🟦 Additional ResourcesIf you’re feeling stretched too thin, struggling with growth decisions, or simply wondering what’s possible with the right leadership support, Zach offers a complimentary Fractional Fit Meeting to help determine whether fractional leadership is right for your practice.🌐 Website: https://www.suiteleap.com🔗 LinkedIn: Zach NathanWhether you need help with operations, finance, marketing, HR, or overall business strategy, Sweet Leap can connect you with experienced executive talent without the cost of a full-time hire.- Airway Meeting: https://web.orthopreneurs.com/arizonasleepandairway2026 - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

What if I told you the CEO your practice “needs” might actually be the most expensive mistake you’re about to make?In this Five Minute Friday, I’m challenging orthodontists to think carefully before hiring a CEO, COO, or high-level executive for their practice. Too many doctors hit $2–3 million in production, feel stretched, and assume the next move is bringing in a $250K–$300K leader. But in most cases, you’re not ready for that—and you probably don’t know how to hire that person yet.Instead, I break down why a fractional C-suite executive may be the smarter move. Whether you’re dealing with capacity issues, technology decisions, growth opportunities, or confusion about whether to expand into satellites, this episode will help you think like a business owner—not just an orthodontist. You’ll walk away with a clearer sense of when to ask for executive-level help, what kind of help you actually need, and why growing your main practice may be far better than chasing expansion too soon.💬Quotes“Think long and hard when you think you’ve reached an inflection point in your practice where you want to bring a CEO in. Chances are you’re not ready for it.”— Dr. Glenn Krieger“If you’re doing $2 million or $3 million a year, you should not be thinking about bringing somebody into your practice to pay them $200,000 or $300,000 a year.”— Dr. Glenn Krieger🎯 Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Why most practices aren’t ready for a full-time CEO (00:07)What fractional C-suite executives actually do (00:44)Why orthodontists often make poor business decisions around technology (01:22)Dental Monitoring as an example of C-suite thinking vs. orthodontist thinking (01:48)When a CEO-level hire starts to make sense financially (03:18)Why $2–3 million practices should avoid $250K executive hires (04:00)Why growing your main practice may beat opening satellites (05:27)How a fractional C-suite advisor can help you see blind spots (07:34)🟦 Additional ResourcesI’ve seen firsthand how the wrong executive hire can create more stress, more overhead, and less clarity—not more growth.Before you bring in a CEO, COO, or high-level executive, think carefully about where your practice really is and what kind of help you actually need. If you’re at an inflection point and want help thinking through fractional C-suite support, DM me. I have no financial interest in the company I mentioned, but I’m happy to make a connection or help you think through the decision.- Airway Meeting: https://web.orthopreneurs.com/arizonasleepandairway2026 - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

What if I told you the secret to building a thriving orthodontic practice isn't just clinical excellence—it's creating a culture where your team wants to build their future with you?I've met a lot of orthodontists over the years, but few embody positivity, leadership, continuous learning, and team development quite like Dr. Alyssa Carter. In this episode, we dive into what it's like to build a successful orthodontic practice in a small Texas town, why investing in your people matters more than ever, and how creating opportunities for growth can transform both your team and your practice.Alyssa shares her journey from growing up in rural Texas to becoming one of the most respected clinicians and lifelong learners in our profession. We discuss leadership, efficiency, delegation, remote monitoring, aligner systems, CE, team retention, and why today's team members need more than just a job—they need a vision for their future. If you're looking to improve your culture, elevate your systems, and become a better leader, this episode is packed with practical insights you can implement immediately.💬Quotes"I want someone that wants to make this practice their career, and do anything that they think they can do for the practice—we'll make it happen. But that's their dream." — Dr. Alyssa Carter"If you walk around trying to live life by the 2% of people who will hurt you, you'll never be happy. Focus on the 98% of things that can go right." — Dr. Alyssa Carter🎯 Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Growing up in a small Texas town and returning home to practice (02:05)The unique advantages—and challenges—of practicing where you were raised (04:40)Why continuous education is one of the greatest investments you can make (11:06)How CE keeps you humble, motivated, and constantly improving (12:51)The power of positivity and focusing on the 98% that goes right (16:12)Leadership lessons: looking in the mirror before blaming others (16:51)Building a culture where team members see orthodontics as a career (30:34)Creating efficient systems that reduce stress and improve outcomes (32:47)How remote monitoring and AI are transforming orthodontic workflows (33:25)Using technology to uncover hidden inefficiencies in treatment (34:15)Why delegation is critical for scaling your practice (21:04, 40:51)Alyssa's role in orthodontic product development and innovation (38:05)Introducing ODO (On Demand Orthodontist) and the future of treatment planning support (39:46)The importance of mentorship, relationships, and giving back to the profession (44:18)🟦 Additional ResourcesODO (On Demand Orthodontist)🌐 https://ondemandorthodontist.comA platform designed to help orthodontists streamline treatment planning, remote monitoring workflows, and reduce screen time through expert-supported systems.Connect with Dr. Alyssa Carter📱 Reach out through Facebook or connect with her at industry meetings and events throughout the year.If you're feeling overwhelmed by staffing challenges, struggling to build a culture that retains great people, or looking for ways to make your practice more efficient, this episode is a must-listen.Take one idea from Alyssa's playbook this week:✔ Invest in your team's growth. ✔ Audit one inefficient system in your practice. ✔ Commit to learning something new that makes you a better leader.Small improvements compound—and as Alyssa demonstrates, the most successful practices are built by leaders who never stop growing.- Airway Meeting: https://web.orthopreneurs.com/arizonasleepandairway2026 - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/

What if I told you disagreeing with another orthodontist doesn’t mean you have to dislike them?In this Five Minute Friday, I’m talking about something that shows up way too often in our profession: disagreement turning into division. Whether it’s OSOs, airway, clinical philosophy, politics, or anything else, too many people assume that if we don’t see things the same way, we can’t respect each other — and I think that’s a huge mistake.I’m not pro-OSO, anti-OSO, pro-airway, or anti-airway. I’m pro-education. My goal has always been to help orthodontists get the right information, talk to the right people, and make decisions that fit their practice, their patients, and their lives. In this episode, I share why opinions should never define someone’s character, why education beats absolutism, and why we all need more good people in our lives — even when we disagree.💬Quotes“I am not pro-airway. I’m pro proper diagnosis and helping people get through things.”— Dr. Glenn Krieger“If someone’s a good person, let it all go by the wayside. Be friends. Get to know them.”— Dr. Glenn Krieger🎯 Key TakeawaysIntro: Why disagreement matters (00:00)Why Dr. Krieger doesn’t dislike people for having different opinions (00:48)The difference between being pro-education and being pro- or anti-anything (02:21)Why orthodontists need to make informed decisions, not emotional ones (02:48)Airway, CBCTs, and the importance of proper diagnosis (03:23)Why personal attacks are different from professional disagreement (05:10)The danger of defining people by their opinions (06:01)Why good people are worth keeping in your life (06:49)🟦 Additional ResourcesIf you want to talk about OSOs, airway, practice decisions, or anything else in orthodontics — even if you disagree with me — reach out. DM me on Facebook and just say hi. I love these conversations, and I’m always happy to help where I can.And if you’re interested in joining us at an upcoming Orthopreneurs event, check out the waitlist for 4M in October or the airway meeting in Arizona this December.- Airway Meeting: https://web.orthopreneurs.com/arizonasleepandairway2026 - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

🎙️ What if I told you one of the biggest bottlenecks in your orthodontic practice isn't your staff—it's your resistance to technology?In this episode, I sit down with Steve Gardner, Founder and President of DIBS AI, to discuss why orthodontics continues to lag behind other industries when it comes to adopting technology—and why that's costing doctors far more than they realize. We dive deep into digital indirect bonding, AI-powered treatment planning, staffing challenges, and what the future of orthodontics may look like as artificial intelligence continues to evolve.More importantly, this conversation isn't really about software. It's about mindset. Steve and I tackle the uncomfortable truth that many orthodontists say they want more freedom, less stress, and better systems—but often resist the very technologies that can help them achieve those goals. Whether you're a braces-heavy practice, an aligner-focused office, or somewhere in between, this episode will challenge the way you think about efficiency, delegation, and the future of clinical care.💬Quotes"The bonding appointment alone will pay for DIBS. That's what our latest data is showing."— Steve Gardner"Don't be a turkey. Learn how to fly. All the excuses you have—there are no excuses."— Steve Gardner🎯 Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)How Steve Found Orthodontics Instead of Law School (00:48)The Evolution of DIBS AI (03:25)Why Orthodontics Still Struggles with Digital Adoption (06:39)The Staffing Crisis in Orthodontics (06:39)Money Comes and Goes—Time Only Goes (09:00)The "Turkey vs. Eagle" Mindset (10:28)Digital Bracket Placement vs. Traditional Bonding (14:21)Can Digital Braces Rival Aligners? (17:04)What DIBS AI Actually Does (20:15)The Future of AI in Orthodontics (29:01)Why Every Practice Should Explore Digital Workflows (34:32)🟦 Additional ResourcesLearn More About DIBS AIIf you're looking to improve efficiency, reduce chair time, create more consistent bracket placement, and embrace a truly digital workflow, Steve encourages orthodontists to take a closer look at DIBS AI.🌐 Website: https://dibbsai.comSteve and his team offer demonstrations, workflow consultations, training, and support to help practices successfully implement digital indirect bonding.If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to The Orthopreneurs Podcast, leave a review, and share it with a colleague who's ready to stop working harder and start working smarter.- Airway Meeting: https://web.orthopreneurs.com/arizonasleepandairway2026 - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

What if I told you the reason you’re getting better finishes with braces might have nothing to do with the technology—and everything to do with your training?In this Five Minute Friday, I tackle one of the biggest mindset debates in orthodontics today: Are aligners actually inferior… or are most orthodontists simply undertrained in how to use them? After seeing a recent discussion sparked by Dr. Kyle Fagala in The Digital Orthodontist, I felt compelled to jump into the conversation and challenge some assumptions many of us still carry.If you’ve ever felt frustrated with aligners, questioned whether they can really produce elite finishes, or found yourself defaulting back to braces because they “feel safer,” this episode will push you to ask a hard question: Is the limitation really the appliance… or is it the training?💬Quotes“If you give me Class I, Class II, growing, non-growing, extraction cases, I will give you a better result with aligners every time, at the same time, if not less.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger“Do you genuinely believe that aligners are not as good… or do you believe they are as good, you’re just not as well trained?” — Dr. Glenn Krieger🎯 Key TakeawaysIntro: The braces vs. aligners debate (00:00)Why most orthodontists still feel more comfortable with braces (00:33)Dr. Krieger’s 80% aligner practice philosophy (01:06)Why aligners create less stress, fewer emergencies, and happier patients (02:26)The precision advantage of aligners vs. wire bending (02:57)Why some elite orthodontists still use “finishers” after braces (03:40)The real issue: training vs. technology (04:32)Why going “all in” on technology changes profitability and outcomes (05:19)Final challenge: Are you resisting growth or pursuing mastery? (05:38)🟦 Additional Resources I’ve seen firsthand how aligners can completely transform not only clinical outcomes, but the stress level, efficiency, and scalability of an orthodontic practice. If you truly believe aligners aren’t as good as braces, ask yourself why. And if the answer is training, then commit to getting better. The future of orthodontics belongs to doctors willing to evolve, adapt, and master the tools available to them—not just rely on what feels familiar.And if you’re enjoying the podcast, do me one favor: tell three friends about it. That’s how we continue growing this community and helping more orthodontists build the practices—and lives—they truly want.- Airway Meeting: https://web.orthopreneurs.com/arizonasleepandairway2026 - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

In this episode, we dive into where remote monitoring is headed next—and trust me, the future is closer than you think. We discuss FDA-approved remote STL generation, AI-driven treatment adjustments, real-time patient monitoring, and a world where aligner refinements may become largely automated in the background. More importantly, we talk about how orthodontists can use technology to reclaim their most valuable asset: time.Whether you're already using DentalMonitoring or you're still skeptical about remote care, this episode will challenge the way you think about patient visits, treatment efficiency, staffing, and the role technology will play in the next decade of orthodontics.💬Quotes“The problem for an orthodontist is not that a problem happened. The problem is discovering it too late.” — Philippe Sala“We are a triage service. We tell you: focus on the bad and spend less time on the good.” — Philippe Sala🎯 Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Meet Philippe Sala and the vision behind DentalMonitoring (03:18)Why orthodontics doesn’t need a perfect appliance—it needs better visibility (05:07)The real cost of discovering treatment problems too late (06:01)How remote monitoring changes patient management and practice efficiency (06:57)The “triage” model: spend more time on patients who need it most (11:58)What Monitoring+ is and why 3D treatment monitoring changes everything (14:12)The future of weekly STL models and dynamic treatment tracking (15:00)FDA-approved remote STL generation from patient scans (17:23)How at-home scans can be used for retainers, aligners, and appliances (18:00)The future of automated aligner refinements and continuous treatment updates (19:07)The vision of achieving true one-set aligner finishes (20:53)How DM Insights helps orthodontists benchmark performance (23:37)Using data to improve hygiene, compliance, debonds, and treatment outcomes (24:24)Turning practice analytics into actionable patient interventions (27:18)Why technology adoption is really about buying back time (31:51)The staffing crisis and why orthodontists must prepare now (39:20)How remote care can improve quality while reducing stress and overhead (42:31)🟦 Additional ResourcesIf you've been wondering whether remote monitoring is worth the investment, this episode provides a roadmap for what orthodontics may look like over the next several years.Learn more about DentalMonitoring: 👉 https://www.dentalmonitoring.comInterested in Orthopreneurs? 👉 https://www.orthopreneurs.comIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another orthodontist who's looking to improve efficiency, enhance patient care, and future-proof their practice.- Airway Meeting: https://web.orthopreneurs.com/arizonasleepandairway2026 - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

What if I told you the way you treat people when nobody’s watching says more about your leadership than anything happening inside your practice?In this Five Minute Friday, I’m asking a question that might sting a little: Are you a pain in the ass? As orthodontists, leaders, employers, and colleagues, we spend a lot of time thinking about clinical outcomes, systems, and production—but not always enough time thinking about how people feel after interacting with us.This episode is about self-awareness, humility, and becoming the kind of person others actually enjoy being around. I share why the small moments matter most: how you speak to a server, how you respond when things don’t go your way, how you show up online, and whether your interactions leave people better or worse than before. My challenge is simple: at the end of every day, ask yourself what you did well—and how you could have done it better.💬Quotes“This isn’t about how much community service you do. This is about how you act when nobody’s watching.”— Dr. Glenn Krieger“At the end of the day, when you put your head on the pillow, what did you do well today? And how could you have done it better?”— Dr. Glenn Krieger🎯 Key TakeawaysIntro: Are you a pain in the ass? (00:00)How your behavior impacts the people around you (01:07)High-maintenance vs. self-aware leadership (01:28)Why seeking to understand matters (03:12)The people who need this message most may be in denial (03:23)How upbringing shapes behavior—and why we can unlearn it (04:37)What really counts as doing good in the world (05:52)Two questions to ask yourself every night (07:22)🟦 Additional ResourcesI’ve seen firsthand how self-awareness can change the way we lead, communicate, and show up for the people around us.So tonight, before you go to sleep, ask yourself: What did I do well today? And how could I have done it better? Start there—and watch how your relationships, leadership, and life begin to change. - Airway Meeting: https://web.orthopreneurs.com/arizonasleepandairway2026 - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

🎙️ What if I told you the biggest shift in orthodontics over the next 3 years may have nothing to do with brackets, aligners, or scanners… and everything to do with AI?I’ve seen firsthand how AI can improve communication, streamline workflows, and completely change the way we run our practices. But this episode goes far beyond “write me a patient email.” Mike Vidikan and I sit down for a deep dive into the current state of artificial intelligence—from AI-generated videos and autonomous agents to the very real possibility of orthodontists building their own software, automations, and virtual employees.If you’ve been curious, overwhelmed, skeptical, or excited about AI, this episode will help you better understand what’s real, what’s hype, and why ignoring this technology may be the biggest mistake practice owners make over the next decade.💬Quotes“AI is literally allowing us to innovate almost every aspect of what we do in our life—whether it’s home life or business life—it just allows us to innovate faster.” — Mike Vidikan“The beautiful thing about AI now is your imagination becomes the limit… not the technology.”— Mike Vidikan🎯Key TakeawaysIntro & why AI matters to orthodontists right now (00:00)How quickly AI is evolving—and why 2026 feels different (03:06)The future of orthodontic-specific software and custom automation (07:35)Why prompting matters more than people realize (16:37)The major AI platforms orthodontists should know about (19:41)ChatGPT vs Claude vs Gemini vs Grok vs Perplexity (20:55)AI-generated presentations, documents, and content creation (23:41)Why creating presentations manually is becoming obsolete (32:36)AI video generation and the future of media creation (35:12)How Orthopreneurs almost built a Ready Player One virtual summit (41:14)What AI “agents” are and how they could replace repetitive office tasks (49:19)The future of robotics and automation in orthodontics (54:00)Could robots eventually place brackets? (56:01)Why Mike believes AI will create more opportunities—not fewer jobs (58:42)The importance of staying curious and adaptable as technology evolves (1:01:22)🟦 Additional ResourcesIf you’re still treating AI like a gimmick—or assuming it’s something you’ll “learn later”—this episode is your wake-up call. The orthodontists who embrace these tools now will have a massive advantage in efficiency, communication, marketing, and decision-making over the next few years.Start experimenting. Start learning. Start paying attention.And if you’re not already part of the Orthopreneurs community, now’s the time.👉 Airway Meeting: https://web.orthopreneurs.com/arizonasleepandairway2026 👉 For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/👉 Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

What if I told you your marketing budget isn’t the problem — your tracking is?In this Five Minute Friday, I’m breaking down the three things every orthodontic practice needs to make marketing actually work: a plan, a reliable way to track where patients came from, and a clear understanding of ROI. Too many practices are throwing money at PTAs, community events, online ads, referral gifts, and sponsorships without knowing what’s truly producing starts.I’ll show you the exact question I ask every new patient, why your TC needs to hear the answer, and how a simple spreadsheet can help you stop guessing and start investing smarter. When you know where your growth is coming from, you can double down on what works, fix what doesn’t, and grow your practice with far more confidence.Quotes“You need to have a marketing plan. You need to write things down about how you’re going to market.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger“You will not be guessing where you should be spending your money. You will be spending it smartly, and your practice will grow as a result.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger🎯 Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Why most mature practices need intentional marketing (00:42)Step 1: Build a real marketing plan (01:08)Step 2: Ask patients how they actually found you (01:38)Why the doctor should help identify the real referral source (03:00)Step 3: Track ROI by marketing source (04:46)How to decide where to double down (05:00)The 3-part marketing formula: plan, track, measure ROI (06:28)Airway meeting announcement and invitation (06:56)🟦 Additional ResourcesIf you want to stop guessing where your marketing dollars should go, start with three simple steps: build the plan, ask the question, and track the ROI. And if you’re interested in learning how orthodontists can responsibly play a role in airway and sleep-disordered breathing, DM me about the December airway meeting before it sells out. - Airway Meeting: https://web.orthopreneurs.com/arizonasleepandairway2026 - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

What if I told you the key to better esthetic results isn’t just looking at teeth—but learning to see the face first?In this episode of The Orthopreneurs Podcast, I’m joined by the legendary Dr. David Sarver for a masterclass-level look at interdisciplinary smile design and lifetime esthetics. As we revisit his course, Smile Projection: A New Concept in Smile Design, Dr. Sarver gives us a different way to think about orthodontic treatment planning—one that starts with the face, not just the occlusion.We talk about why the lateral and oblique views matter so much, how smile projection changes the way we evaluate maxillary incisor position, and how orthodontists can take good cases and make them truly exceptional. If you want to create better, quicker, more esthetic outcomes for your patients, this episode will help you see the smile in a completely new way.💬 Quotes to Remember“We have to start seeing the smile from the face first—not just from the teeth.” — Dr. David Sarver“The lateral view changes everything when you’re trying to understand true smile projection.” — Dr. David Sarver🎯 Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00) Dr. David Sarver’s course at Orthopreneurs University (00:51) What Smile Projection really means (01:21) Why the lateral/oblique view matters so much (04:21) How orthodontists can turn good cases into exceptional cases (05:59)🟦 Additional ResourcesIf you want to elevate your esthetic outcomes and start treatment planning with a true face-first approach, check out Dr. Sarver’s course here:Smile Projection: A New Concept In Smile Design — https://orthopreneurs.com/courses/smile-projection/- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs 

I recently came across a social media incident that really bothered me.The long and short of it was that someone organizing an event had received a nasty email full of colorful language from one of the would-be attendees.They proceeded to take a screenshot of the email without the full context and posted it on their social media. They included the person's email, place of work, and other such detail.This got me thinking…Nobody is perfect. People are going to screw up, even those close to you.What will your reaction be? Will you get all worked up and do something to embarrass or destroy them?I would much rather you gave them grace. Just let it go.Quotes:"Give grace to people when they screw up, reach out to somebody with whom you're estranged if you can, and give grace." - Dr. Glenn Krieger"You're going to run into people in your life who will piss you off. And you know what, it's okay to let it go." - Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysA social media incident that really bothered me (00:47)Give a little more grace (01:48)It's okay to let it go (02:54)Give grace to people when they screw up (05:37)Additional Resources- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ #Orthopreneurs #DrGlennKrieger #5minutefriday

Have you ever considered that your back pain might be connected to something deeper than just a physical injury? This episode with Dr. David Bynum might just change your perspective on health and wellness.As a seasoned chiropractor with a deep understanding of alternative medicines, Dr. Bynum joins me to talk about the powerful interplay between chiropractic care, alternative therapies like Kambo and Ayahuasca, and a holistic approach to improving your overall health.Discover how these practices can not only address physical ailments but also lead to significant behavioral changes, promoting a holistic approach to health.Quotes “For me, health and wellness isn’t about finding one single right way. Everything comes together in a broad way.” Dr. Glenn Krieger"Most sickness, disease, and trauma stem from our behaviors or the behaviors of those who cared for us. Alternative therapies focus on changing those behaviors to promote healing and wellness." Dr. David Bynum🔻SUBSCRIBE TO RECEIVE NOTIFICATIONS ON NEW VIDEOS🔻             @orthopreneurs6803           ⏱️ Key Takeaways ⏱️Intro: Why chiropractic sparks such strong opinions (00:00)Meet Dr. David Bynum and his journey into chiropractic care (01:01)Recovering from a broken back without surgery (02:45)The science behind chiropractic adjustments explained simply (05:19)Understanding pain, proprioception, and the nervous system (06:23)What a “pinched nerve” actually means (11:01)How posture, eye position, and body mechanics affect chronic pain (14:24)Why stress changes your posture and nervous system response (18:36)The truth about spring water, minerals, and hydration (24:00)What’s really in municipal drinking water (29:00)What is Cambo and why people use it for healing and detoxification? (30:17)The NFL player story that changed Glenn’s perspective on Cambo (34:55)How to find safe Cambo practitioners (37:09)Ayahuasca explained: what it is and why people seek it out (38:27)David’s deeply personal Ayahuasca story and life transformation (41:47)Why behavior change may be the foundation of true wellness (42:39)Glenn’s thoughts on integrating fitness, chiropractic, nutrition, and recovery into everyday life (52:01)Additional Resources🟦 Connect with Dr. David Bynum📍 Instagram: @drdavidbynum📍 Search: Dr. David Bynum📍 Website/Contact via Instagram DMThis episode is different from our usual Orthopreneurs conversations—and that’s exactly why I wanted to have it. You don’t have to agree with everything we discuss to get value from it. Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs happen when we’re willing to stay curious, ask better questions, and explore perspectives outside our comfort zone.If this episode got you thinking, send it to another orthodontist who’s interested in health, performance, recovery, or simply becoming a better version of themselves.- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/ - Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/  #Orthopreneurs #DrGlennKrieger #5minutefriday

What if I told you your biggest staffing frustrations might have less to do with Gen Z—and more to do with the culture we’ve created around work? This episode isn’t about criticizing younger employees—it’s about reflecting on what we tolerate, reward, and model inside our practices. I talk about the differences I’ve observed between Japanese and American workplace culture, how it impacts orthodontic teams, and why leaders may need to rethink the systems and expectations they’ve created. If you’ve ever struggled with ghosting, disengagement, accountability, or team culture in your office, this episode will challenge you to look deeper—and maybe see the problem from an entirely different angle.Quotes“It’s crystal clear that the work ethic here for the younger generation is very different, at least on the surface, from what I see in the U.S.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger“I’m starting to believe that a lot of the problems we face in the U.S. are functions of the U.S. and the way we maybe tolerate some of the behavior that we see as employers.” — Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysIntro: Lessons from Tokyo & Triforce Academy (00:00)Cultural nuances and work ethic observations in Japan (00:45)The growing conversation around Gen Z in the workforce (01:00)Is this a generational issue or a societal one? (01:40)What orthodontic employers may be unintentionally tolerating (02:00)How travel and exposure to other cultures can reshape leadership perspective (02:35)Final thoughts & invitation to experience Japan with Orthopreneurs RD (02:45)Additional Resources🟦 I’ve seen firsthand how culture shapes leadership, accountability, and team performance—and sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come when you step outside your own environment.If you’re struggling with team engagement, leadership challenges, or building a stronger practice culture, maybe it’s time to stop asking, “What’s wrong with this generation?” and start asking better questions. And if you ever get the opportunity to experience a different culture firsthand—take it. It might completely change the way you lead your practice and your life. - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

🎙️ What if I told you the way you practice orthodontics—and live your life—depends entirely on where you choose to plant your feet?I’ve spoken to orthodontists all over the world—but this conversation hits different. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jon Paley, an American-trained orthodontist who made the bold decision to build his life and practice in Israel. And what he shares isn’t just about orthodontics—it’s about perspective, resilience, and what really matters when everything around you is unpredictable.If you’ve ever wondered how adaptable you really are as a doctor—or what it means to lead when things aren’t “normal”—this episode will challenge you, ground you, and maybe even change how you think about your own practice and life.Quotes“Patients looked at our practice as a place of normalcy… even during chaos, that 45 minutes mattered.” — Dr. Jon Paley“It’s a contract we feel we have with our country—to take responsibility, stay calm, and just keep going.” — Dr. Jon PaleyKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Jon’s journey from the Midwest to Israel (03:25)Practicing in two countries—and commuting for 20 years (06:30)Selling his U.S. practices and starting over at 52 (08:24)The biggest difference between U.S. and Israeli orthodontics (13:28)Why delegation is far more limited outside the U.S. (13:28)Technology, Invisalign, and practicing at a high level globally (14:34)What it’s really like living and raising a family in Israel (01:01)Managing a practice during national crisis and uncertainty (21:54)How patients view the practice as a “safe place” (26:29)The mindset shift: responsibility, resilience, and purpose (27:36)Additional ResourcesIf this episode made you think differently about your practice—or your life—share it with a colleague who needs that perspective shift.Want to connect with Dr. Jon Paley or learn more about his work?👉 Visit: braces.co.il👉 Or find him on FacebookAnd if you’ve ever considered practicing internationally—or just want to become a more adaptable, resilient orthodontist—this is your reminder: growth happens outside your comfort zone.Register for the Make More Money Meeting: https://ortho4m.com/home - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs

What if I told you the fastest way to lower your stress, reclaim your time, and make your practice more profitable isn’t working harder — it’s finally letting go of the things you should’ve outsourced years ago?In this episode of Five Minute Friday, I’m talking about one of the biggest mistakes I see orthodontists make over and over again: being penny wise and pound foolish. Too many doctors are still using their best team members — or worse, their own mental bandwidth — to manage tasks that could be outsourced, automated, or handled far more efficiently by dedicated systems. If your days feel chaotic, your team feels stretched, and your practice still isn’t running as smoothly as it should, this episode is for you.Quotes“Your goal is to show up, do great ortho, hug moms, kiss babies, and grow your practice — and don’t micromanage everything else.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger“Money comes and goes, but time only goes.” — The Trockels, quoted by Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Why orthodontists stay penny wise and pound foolish (00:28)The time-versus-money tradeoff at different stages of practice ownership (01:18)How remote monitoring creates smoother days and fewer office visits (02:03)Why a leaner team can still support a high-producing practice (02:36)The overhead math: efficiency, staffing, and profitability (02:56)Why your in-house team is not monitoring patients the way you think they are (04:10)How delayed responses hurt both patient experience and team performance (04:46)Why outsourcing creates peace of mind, faster workflows, and better systems (06:06)The real goal: less micromanagement, more freedom, and a practice that runs on cruise control (07:53)🟦  Additional ResourcesI’ve seen firsthand how the right systems can make your practice easier to run, more profitable, and dramatically less stressful.If you’re tired of wasting high-value time on tasks that should already be automated, outsourced, or remotely managed, this episode is your wake-up call. Start looking closely at where your team is getting bogged down, where your response systems are breaking, and where smarter support could immediately improve your workflows.The doctors who embrace this shift aren’t just saving time — they’re building practices that scale better, feel better, and give them more freedom outside the office. That’s the goal.Remote Response: https://www.remoteresponse.com Register for the Make More Money Meeting: https://ortho4m.com/home - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/