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 Takeaways

Intro: 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.

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