The AAO is taking another step forward in supporting the specialty by investing in advancements in patient care via its Innovation and Transformation Fund.

The fund – which can be used to develop new products and services for orthodontists and patients by building, partnering or investing – made its second move by investing $50,000 in KLOwen Custom Braces System, an in-office, same-day, custom bracket solution, which increases doctor efficiency.

Developed by Dr. Brandon Owen, the 2019 AAO Ortho Innovator Award recipient and holder of seven patents with 20 more patents pending, the KLOwen Custom Braces System uses the newest technologies including 3D printers and custom-shaped braces. According to KLOwen Braces, the system can work on any orthodontic case, even those requiring functional appliances, expansion or surgery. By leveraging a unique software platform, the solution automatically places the ideally shaped bracket for each tooth out of a kit of 27 pieces. Then, using 3D-printed IDB (indirect bonding) trays, brackets are bonded precisely where approved on the software, completing the customization. By filling the slot completely, the system allows the wires to be more completely expressed, eliminating or greatly reducing wire-bending or bracket-repositioning.

“Created by orthodontists for orthodontists, our revolutionary system empowers orthodontists and the patients they serve with an effective, custom solution that leverages the most innovative technological advances to ensure patients experience less discomfort, less time in braces and less missed school and work,” said Dr. Owen. “We are tremendously grateful to the AAO. Having their financial support and industry expertise is a tremendous vote of confidence in our product and services. It will help us execute the joint vision to bring much-needed change to an industry that has not experienced such since the 1980s.”

In addition to investing in KLOwen Braces System, a member of AAO leadership will be seated on the company’s board, further assuring the best interests of orthodontists — and their patients — will remain the top priority.

“We’re thrilled to make this investment in KLOwen Custom Braces System and to continue to support the ever-evolving industry of orthodontics,” said AAO President, Dr. Christopher A. Roberts.

About the AAO Innovation and Transformation Fund

By building, partnering or investing, the AAO Innovation and Transformation Fund can be used to develop new products and services for orthodontists and patients and will drive non-dues revenue for the association. The fund’s investments can be made in promising, innovative companies focused on advancing the specialty and who are aligned with the AAO strategic plan. The first investment went to PhotoDynamic, a Canadian startup that developed a patented light-activated antimicrobial oral hygiene technology designed to kill bacteria-causing plaque.

About the KLOwen Custom Braces System

For more information about how the KLOwen Custom Braces System works, please visit https://klowenbraces.com/.

Legal disclaimer:  Individuals and third-parties should not rely on the AAO’s actions or representations regarding KLOwen Custom Braces System in making their own financial or practice decisions. The foregoing press release is for informational purposes is only, intended to be an update, and is not and should not be considered financial, investment, tax or any other advice or guarantees of any kind. The AAO will not be liable for loss or damage of any kind, including lost profits (whether or not the parties have been advised of such loss or damage) arising in any way with individual’s or third-parties’ acts or omissions based on the foregoing AAO update.