Orthodontic Specialty Group Program: Lecture & Lunch

Designed by Specialists, Open to All

MORNING SESSION

Surgical Camouflage in Class II and Class III Patients: A Modern Approach to Borderline Cases

Surgical camouflage has become an increasingly valuable treatment option for managing borderline skeletal Class II and Class III malocclusions—particularly in adult patients seeking improved esthetics without the risks, costs, or downtime of orthognathic surgery. In this lecture, Dr. Neal Kravitz will present a modern, case-based approach to surgical camouflage, highlighting when to treat versus refer, how to leverage skeletal anchorage, and what realistic outcomes can be achieved. The presentation will cover extraction strategies, occlusal and profile considerations, and aligner versus fixed appliance planning in cases where full orthognathic correction is declined or unnecessary. Attendees will gain practical guidelines for identifying appropriate camouflage candidates, planning treatment efficiently, and communicating expectations clearly to patients.

AFTERNOON SESSION

Rule-of-Thumb Wisdom in Everyday Orthodontics

Orthodontists think fast. With full schedules, unpredictable patients, and evolving biomechanics, clinical decisions must be made efficiently—yet precisely. In this lecture, Dr. Neal Kravitz presents Orthoheuristics: practical, experience-based shortcuts that seasoned orthodontists rely on to simplify diagnosis, streamline treatment, and avoid common pitfalls. Drawing from his JCO editorial, Dr. Kravitz will share memorable maxims such as “U1-SN is your guide for upper premolar extractions” and “IMPA is your guide for functional appliances,” along with diagnostic pearls like “retrognathic patients with lower spacing are often surgical.” These heuristics help promote clinical efficiency without compromising outcomes. Attendees will leave with a fresh vocabulary of chairside wisdom to sharpen their instincts and elevate everyday decision-making.