I. Introduction

  • Dr. Amanda from Straight Smile Solutions explains how pediatric dental offices can add $200,000 in orthodontic production in 2026 without purchasing a ceph machine or iTero scanner.
  • This strategy is designed for pediatric dentists who already have a CBCT with a large field of view (FOV) and want to implement interceptive orthodontics efficiently.
  • The key is early screening, systems, and team-driven workflows, not expensive new equipment.

II. Start with Early Screening: “Read the 2–5s”

  • Every pediatric practice already has future orthodontic patients—you just need to identify them.
  • By evaluating facial profile, lips, smile, and posture, orthodontic needs can often be predicted in children as young as 2–5 years old, even without X-rays.
  • Early indicators include:
    • Constricted palates or jaws
    • Airway and mouth-breathing issues
    • Myofunctional problems
    • Vertical or transverse discrepancies
    • Shifts, trauma, or palatal impingement

III. Build a Queue, Not Just a Case

  • Place identified patients into a tracking or recall system and revisit the conversation at every visit.
  • Discuss contributing factors such as:
    • Nasal breathing and airway health
    • Diet and posture
    • ENT or myofunctional referrals
    • Early habit correction tools
  • While these visits may not always be billable orthodontically, they set up high-value Phase 1 and Phase 2 cases later.

IV. Why a CBCT Is Enough

  • A CBCT with a sufficiently large FOV allows for:
    • Pano and airway evaluation
    • PAS assessment
    • Growth and development monitoring
  • A ceph is not mandatory, and while iTero improves efficiency, it is not required to start generating revenue.
  • Interceptive orthodontics can be designed to be team-driven, especially with removable and simplified systems.

Conclusion

Adding $200K in orthodontic production does not require new machines it requires intentional screening, early conversations, and systems-based interceptive care. By identifying problems early and guiding families through proactive or reactive choices, pediatric dental offices can ethically grow orthodontic services while improving long-term patient outcomes.