StraightSmile Solutions®

Learn Ortho Mentorship, Study Clubs, and the “OrthoDentist” Mastermind Experience
Introduction
• Dr. Amanda introduces a customizable mentorship and mastermind program for general and pediatric dentists who want orthodontic experience without traditional residency.
• Designed as a flexible, hands-on pathway for doctors to learn through real cases and guided support.
Course Foundations
• Participants should first complete a Phase I orthodontic course (Straight Smile Solutions offers one at ~$500 with CE credits; Dr. Simon Wong offers a version without CE).
• A Straight Wire course is also recommended; other comparable courses are acceptable.
• Dentists then study aligner playlists (Invisalign or non-Invisalign) for dozens of hours of foundational knowledge.
One-on-One Case Mentorship
• After coursework, dentists can join VIP or concierge mentorship programs.
• Process includes:
o Treatment planning all in-office patients (phase one, straight wire, aligner cases).
o Deciding whether to treat or refer cases after planning.
o Gaining residency-style training through direct orthodontist collaboration.
Study Clubs & Group Learning
• Option to form study clubs with friends for consistent group sessions.
• Group pricing is more affordable but involves less one-on-one time.
• Flexible structure allows participants to design learning based on availability and goals.
Cost and Comparison with Residency
• Traditional residency: $30,000–$100,000 per year for 2–3 years, often requiring a master’s research thesis with limited clinical benefit.
• Mastermind program: customizable, significantly lower cost, and focused on practical clinical learning rather than academic research.
• Dr. Amanda critiques residency mentors as often “book-based” and not focused on efficient, healthy treatment outcomes.
Flexibility & Commitment
• Program is contract-free and fully flexible: participants may pause or leave anytime with 30 days’ notice.
• Designed to adapt to life changes (e.g., family, personal commitments).
• Dr. Amanda shares her own experience taking time off for family, highlighting the program’s balance.
Conclusion
• The OrthoDentist Mastermind is a cost-effective, flexible, and hands-on alternative to residency.
• It blends coursework, mentorship, and real-world case planning to help dentists grow orthodontic skills at their own pace.
• Open enrollment is available, and Dr. Amanda invites interested dentists to schedule a free consultation.

RME and RPE Design for Older Teens, Lab Slips for Expanders

Introduction

• Dr. Amanda discusses preferred designs for Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME) and Rapid Palatal Expansion (RPE) in older teens.
• Expansion is more straightforward during mixed dentition, but fully erupted permanent teeth make treatment trickier.
• Focus is on achieving balanced expansion and avoiding common pitfalls with poor appliance design.

Challenges with Older Teen Expansion

• Expansion in older teens tends to create a V-shaped result if only mini-palatal expanders are used.
• Less effective widening in the anterior region compared to mixed dentition.
• Proper design is critical to achieving uniform results and long-term stability.

Appliance Design Preferences

• Traditional Banded 46/46 Appliances:
  • Old-school method requiring spacers.
  • Provides more effective, stable expansion compared to minimalistic soldered bar designs.
  • Considered healthier for gum tissues.
• 3D Printed Expanders:
  • Must be well-adapted and fit precisely; should “drop right in” without adjustments.
  • Poorly fitted or loose expanders should be rejected and remade.
  • Superior fit reduces risks of gingival inflammation, decalcification, and decay.
  • Larger labs with 3D metal-printing capabilities are generally recommended for quality appliances.

Practical Considerations

• Appliance costs range $150–$225, making proper fit essential to avoid wasted time and resources.
• Expanders typically stay on for 5–6 months, covering both activation (turns) and retention (holding) phases.
• Poor designs like simple soldered bars are ineffective and not worth using.
• Clinicians should maintain open communication with their labs to ensure design precision and durability.

Conclusion

• For older teens, achieving effective and healthy expansion requires careful appliance selection.
• Traditional banded expanders and precisely fitted 3D printed appliances provide the most reliable results.
• Ensuring fitness, lab quality, and patient comfort minimizes complications and maximizes long-term orthodontic success.

Inclined Bite Plates – Fixed and Removable Retainers for Class II

Introduction

• Dr. Amanda addresses a common orthodontic question regarding inclined bite plates versus standard anterior bite plates, applicable in both fixed and removable retainers.
• Focus: their role in correcting deep bites and managing Class II cases, along with when they may or may not be effective.

Understanding Bite Plates

• Types of bite plates:
  • Inclined bite plates (upper or lower).
  • Removable bite plates.
  • Fixed anterior bite plates.
• Literature on this topic is limited, though some orthodontic research provides general insights into their effectiveness.
• Inclined designs add a ramp-like element, but the difference from standard plates is relatively minor.

Effectiveness and Limitations

• Inclined bite plates may not make a significant difference compared to standard anterior bite plates.
• They generally do not cause harm, so can be considered as an option.
• Effectiveness depends heavily on the patient’s growth stage and treatment goals.

Patient Age and Growth Considerations

• Older teens nearing the end of puberty:
  • If significant overjet (e.g., 4mm) remains, inclined plates will not stimulate jaw growth.
  • Options at this stage are limited to camouflage treatments or jaw surgery for true correction.
• Younger patients’ post-phase one:
  • With growth potential remaining, inclined bite plates may be useful if compliance is good.
  • They offer a non-invasive adjunct, though not a growth modification tool.

Alternatives and Enhancements

• Rickonator appliance:
  • Functions as an incline bite ramp with a built-in ledge.
  • More effective than a plain incline because it gives a tactile “resting point” for lower teeth.
  • Encourages better compliance and functionality.
• Dr. Amanda suggests these can be more reliable than standard inclined bite plates.

Conclusion

• Inclined bite plates are a low-risk option but have limited effectiveness in jaw growth correction.
• Best suited for younger patients with growth remaining; less effective in older teens.
• Alternatives like the Rickonator may provide better control and outcomes.
• Ultimately, clinicians should consider patient age, growth stage, and treatment goals when selecting retainer designs.

How Much Movement in MM per Month for Class II and Class III Elastics
Introduction
• Dr. Amanda from Straight Smile Solutions addresses a common orthodontic question: How many millimeters of correction can be expected per month with Class II or Class III elastics in braces or aligners?
• She emphasizes that this is a difficult question to answer precisely because of the many variables influencing outcomes.
Why It’s Hard to Measure
• A reliable scientific study on elastic movement is nearly impossible due to variables such as:
o Elastic strength, size, and diameter.
o Vector and direction of pull.
o Patient compliance (hours worn, removal during meals, etc.).
o Tooth size, mandibular plane angle, and amount of overjet/overbite.
• Compliance is the biggest unknown; until technology exists to measure actual wear, results will remain unpredictable.
General Estimates
• Most orthodontists would estimate 0.25–0.5 mm per month of AP change with proper elastic wear.
• Important reminder: elastics cause dental tipping and occlusal plane changes, not skeletal growth.
• Class II elastics: aim to reduce overjet by pulling the lower jaw forward.
• Class III elastics: aim to correct negative overjet by encouraging backward correction.
Braces vs. Aligners
• Braces: elastics attach to wires anchored across multiple teeth → generally more effective.
• Aligners: elastics attach to teeth or aligner wings → may cause aligner displacement and tracking issues.
• Common prescriptions:
o Braces → 3/16” heavy elastics.
o Aligners → 3/16” medium elastics.
• Clinicians must test multiple sizes to find the best fit for each patient.
Additional Factors
• Latex elastics perform better than non-latex due to less force decay.
• Growth-phase patients wearing elastics showed no negative jaw rotation effects.
• Clinicians should be cautious about “false correction” from patients subconsciously sliding their jaws forward in the chair to simulate improvement.
Conclusion
• No exact MM-per-month rule exists for Class II or Class III elastics because outcomes depend on compliance, appliance type, and patient biology.
• A rough average is 0.25 – 0.5 mm per month under ideal conditions, but results vary widely.
• Orthodontists should monitor every 4 weeks, verify stability by reducing wear to nights only, and remain realistic that many improvements are positional shifts, not permanent skeletal changes.

Introduction

Dr. Amanda from Straight Smile Solutions addresses masking versus unmasking among neurodivergent dentists, particularly those with ASD, ADHD, Tourette’s, or similar traits. She shares her late-in-life realization about being neurodivergent, explains the concept of masking, and offers practical insights for adapting dental practice to align with personal strengths and limitations.

Body

• Prevalence & Misunderstanding
  • Estimates suggest 19% of Americans are neurodivergent, likely higher in dentistry due to the profession’s appeal to certain traits.
  • Media portrayals (e.g., “Love on the Spectrum”) often show extreme presentations, missing the more subtle, common realities.
  • Many dentists may be unaware they are neurodivergent, misattributing challenges to their workplace, relationships, or mental health.
• Personal Journey
  • Chose dentistry over medicine due to lifestyle fitness (daytime hours, orthodontics interest).
  • I cannot sustain evening work — even with caffeine — and avoid stimulant medications due to side effects.
  • Found private practice preferable over DSOs for control of schedule and environment.
• Masking vs. Unmasking
  • Masking: presenting a socially acceptable version of oneself (e.g., “Fun Amanda”) to meet professional or social expectations.
  • Unmasking: authentic self, which may be quieter, shyer, and less socially energized.
  • Masking becomes harder with age and hormonal changes, especially for women in their 40s and 50s.
• Unique Challenges & Traits
  • Experiences alexithymia — delayed emotional recognition, requiring extra time to process feelings.
  • Often perceived as unemotional, but deeply empathetic after processing.
  • Adjusting hours, workload, and habits (earlier sleep, consistent routines) significantly improves well-being without medication.
• Call to Awareness
  • Little published research on neurodivergent dentists compared to physicians.
  • Recognizing neurodivergence allows tailored changes for greater career satisfaction.

Conclusion

Masking can help dentists navigate professional expectations, but it may be draining and harder to sustain over time. By recognizing their neurodivergence, dentists can adapt work environments, schedules, and personal habits to reduce stress and enhance fulfillment, often through small but intentional changes.

Dr. Amanda from Straight Smile Solutions introduces the playful new term “Dentaspicy” her rebranding of “neurodivergent” for dentists. This positive spin celebrates unique cognitive styles and strengths, moving away from clinical labels to something more fun and empowering. She calls on fellow Dentaspicy dentists to connect and collaborate on future projects.

From “Neurodivergent” to “Dentaspicy”

• The term “neurodivergent” covers a wide range of conditions such as ADHD, ASD, dyslexia, OCD, and more.
• Amanda prefers “Dentaspicy” as a lighthearted, pride-based identity for neurodivergent dental professionals.
• Emphasizes that intelligence is not diminished in fact, many neurodivergent people excel in creativity, innovation, and strategic thinking.

Personal Story & Perspective Shift

• Shares her own journey of recognizing her neurodivergence later in life.
• Initially wished to be “regular,” but later realized her different way of thinking was a professional superpower.
• Crafted a new way of practicing dentistry that aligns with her strengths and values, which she now teaches others.

Why Collaboration Matters

• Dentaspicy dentists may share similar challenges in traditional practice settings, such as sensory overload, administrative friction, or rigid systems.
• By connecting, they can exchange strategies, design flexible practice models, and innovate patient care.
• Highlights how many leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators in dentistry and beyond are neurodivergent.

Invitation to Join

• Amanda is building a Dentaspicy dentist network.
• Considering launching a private online community for mutual support and project collaboration.
• Open to connecting one-on-one with Dentaspicy dentists to explore opportunities.

Dr. Amanda reframes neurodivergence in dentistry as a source of pride and power, coining “Dentaspicy” to unite like-minded professionals. She encourages dentists who identify with this mindset to reach out, join her network, and help reshape the dental profession through creativity and collaboration.

Dr. Amanda’s Opinion on Wisdom Teeth / 3rd Molar Extractions – Can Early Ortho Prevent the Need?

Introduction

• Dr. Amanda shares her personal, research-informed opinion on wisdom teeth removal, emphasizing this is not universal medical advice.
• Discussion sparked by a layperson’s question on whether routine wisdom teeth extraction is necessary or a profit-driven practice.

When Wisdom Teeth Must Be Removed

• Necessary if they cause problems: impaction, interference with tooth movement, decay, periodontal issues, or inability to maintain hygiene.
• Fully erupted, upright, functional teeth that are easy to clean may not need removal.

Preventive Extraction Debate

• Common U.S. practice to remove wisdom teeth at ages 16–18 regardless of symptoms.
• In many other countries, preventative removal is rare; most people manage without extraction.
• For some, choosing not to remove may result in no issues.

Role of Early Orthotropics

• Reference to the film Open Wide and the teachings of Mike & John Mew on jaw growth, oral posture, nasal breathing, and tongue positioning.
• Proper early oral habits can help jaws develop enough space for wisdom teeth.
• Faces “melting” (growth downward/backward) due to poor oral posture or mouth breathing reduces available space.

Risks of Retaining Problematic Wisdom Teeth

• Misaligned wisdom teeth can damage adjacent molars through resorption or decay.
• Later-life removal is harder, may not be covered by insurance, and often occurs at inconvenient times.
• Military removes them preemptively to avoid emergencies during service.

Sedation and Extraction

• Sedation is optional, not mandatory.
• Dr. Amanda discourages unnecessary anesthesia due to cost and risks; nitrous oxide is an alternative.
• Acknowledges sedation benefits for surgical efficiency and patient management.

Conclusion

• Wisdom teeth removal is not inherently a scam but can feed on patient anxiety.
• Decision should be individualized based on jaw development, tooth positioning, hygiene capability, and patient preference.

How to Fix an Anterior Crossbite in Early Mixed Dentition for Free

Introduction

Anterior crossbites in early mixed dentition can be a significant concern if not addressed promptly. This dental issue, where upper front teeth are trapped behind lower front teeth, can hinder upper jaw growth if left untreated. The key to success lies in early detection before most permanent teeth have erupted, making treatment simpler, faster, and often cost-free.

Importance of Early Intervention

• Treatment is most effective when only primary teeth are present or when a single permanent tooth is less than 30% erupted.
• Once multiple permanent teeth have fully erupted, simpler methods no longer work, and more advanced appliances become necessary.

Identifying the Cause

• Often, crossbite occurs because upper incisors are retroclined and trapped behind lower teeth.
• This mechanical blockage can prevent proper forward development of the maxilla (upper jaw).

Treatment Approaches

• Early-Stage Solutions:
  • Popsicle Stick Method: A simple wedging technique to encourage forward bite correction.
  • Bite Bumps: Composite material applied to molars or incisors to open the bite, allowing trapped teeth to move freely.
• Advanced Stage Solutions:
  • If jaw growth is already restricted, cephalometric X-rays are needed to determine the degree of underdevelopment.
  • Treatment may require palatal expansion and a facemask to stimulate forward jaw growth.

Professional Guidance

• A dentist or orthodontist should supervise the popsicle stick and bite bump methods, which are safe for use on a dentist’s own family but not recommended for unsupervised DIY.
• Demonstration videos can be found on YouTube by searching “anterior crossbite popsicle stick orthodontics.”
• Further training and detailed instructions are available on Dr. Amanda’s Phase One Course and her YouTube channel.

Conclusion

Anterior crossbites, when caught early, are among the simplest orthodontic problems to fix, often without expensive appliances. Using cost-effective techniques like the popsicle stick method and bite bumps, dental professionals can correct the issue before it causes lasting jaw growth problems. The message is clear: early detection, professional supervision, and timely action are the keys to success.

Herpes vs Canker Sores in Orthodontics
Introduction
Dr. Amanda explains the difference between oral herpes (herpes simplex virus) and canker sores (aphthous ulcers) in a dental/orthodontic context. She clarifies terminology to avoid confusion, using both medical and common terms.
Herpes Simplex Virus (Cold Sores)
• Caused by the herpes simplex virus; contagious.
• Transmission: kissing, oral sex, or close contact (e.g., kissing a baby, potentially infecting their eye).
• Always located on the vermilion border edges or corners of the lips.
• It contains viral fluids in pustules; stretching or rubbing can rupture them, spreading the virus.
• In orthodontics, patients with active herpes are rescheduled to avoid cross-contamination and self-inoculation (especially to the eyes).
• Once contracted, herpes remains in the body for life, flaring during stress.
Canker Sores (Aphthous Ulcers)
• Not contagious; often related to autoimmune responses, friction, spicy foods, or trauma from orthodontic appliances.
• Located inside the mouth—on the mucosa of the lips, free gums, or cheeks, but not on attached gums.
• Can be caused or worsened by orthodontic irritation; treatment includes wax application, analgesics, and anti-inflammatories.
• Typically, harmless and self-limiting.
Orthodontic Considerations
• Cold sores require appointment rescheduling until lesions heal (about a week or with antiviral treatment).
• Infection control: avoid saying “herpes” publicly in the office; use “cold sore” when speaking to patients/parents discreetly.
• Universal precautions are followed, but the main concern is preventing eye infections and facial spread in the patient.
Key Differences
• Herpes: Contagious, viral, on lip border, lifelong condition.
• Canker sore: Non-contagious, autoimmune/trauma-related, inside mouth, temporary.
Conclusion
Recognizing and distinguishing the two conditions helps orthodontic staff manage infection control, patient comfort, and appointment timing appropriately.

Making Orthodontics More Accessible for Neurodivergent Patients

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness around neurodivergence—an umbrella term encompassing conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sensory processing challenges, and other developmental or cognitive differences. As orthodontic professionals, embracing neurodiversity isn’t just good practice; it’s essential for creating a truly inclusive environment for all patients.

The Value of Inclusion in Orthodontics

Neurodivergent patients deserve the same high standard of orthodontic care as anyone else. When we welcome these patients into our practices with understanding, flexibility, and proactive planning, we create not only successful treatment outcomes but also long-term trust with families and communities.

Too often, myths persist, suggesting that neurodivergent individuals can’t tolerate orthodontics or that only traditional braces are suitable for special needs. The reality is quite the opposite. With a patient-centered, adaptive approach, clear aligners, phased treatment, and sensory-aware scheduling, many neurodivergent patients thrive during orthodontic care.

Best Practices for Supporting Neurodivergent Patients

Here are a few practical strategies that can make a real difference in treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction:

• Pre-Visit Preparation: Provide visual aids, introductory videos, or office tours before the first visit to reduce anxiety and improve familiarity.
• Sensory-Smart Scheduling: Book appointments during quieter times, such as early mornings, and keep visits consistent with the same team members whenever possible.
• Comfort-Centered Tools: Dim lights, reduce noise, and allow comfort items like fidget toys or stuffed animals during treatment. Digital scanners can help avoid triggering gag reflexes.
• Flexible Treatment Planning: Consider starting with passive aligners or short sessions to build tolerance gradually. Customizing aligner plans or breaking up longer procedures can foster a sense of control and comfort.
• Collaborative Communication: Actively involve caregivers. Understanding the patient’s communication style, routines, and triggers can guide smoother appointments and at-home care.

These accommodations are not burdens—they’re opportunities to connect and serve with empathy. Neurodivergent patients often become some of the most loyal and appreciative members of your patient community.

Building a Practice that Stands Out

Orthodontic offices that train their staff and invest in making treatment more accessible aren’t just being compassionate, they’re also future-proofing their practices. In a world increasingly focused on inclusivity, offering neurodivergence-informed care is a powerful differentiator.

We specialize in helping pediatric dentists, general dentists, and new orthodontic graduates launch and scale successful orthodontic programs, including those focused on neurodivergent care. If you’re ready to build a practice that’s not just effective but inclusive, schedule a consultation with our team today.