11th Biennial Regional Orthodontic Congress

By Dr. Dennis C. Lim (APO President)

The Association of Philippine Orthodontists conducted a hybrid seminar last March 20-21, 2023 at Coron Westown Resort, Coron Palawan City. Two esteemed speakers, Dr. Hyo-Sang Park from Seoul Korea and Dr. Pannapa Srivicharnkul from Thailand shared their expertise on TADs and aligners management of difficult and challenging cases. A total of 158 participants attended the orthodontic congress wherein 40 participants joined the TADs hands on workshop. The attendees were able to experience micro implant insertion on several sites in the typodont. Dr. Park showed the delegates how to recognize and choose different micro implant sizes and designs and the attendees were also able to identify what causes failure to such micro implant placement. The attendees also were exposed to the different cases that were usually treated with orthognathic surgery, but patient declined such treatment protocol, thus orthodontic management were presented.  Furthermore, the delegates got to appreciate biomechanics as an important tool for a successful treatment of difficult cases using TADs.

On the second day, Dr. Srivicharnkul showed the delegates the diagnostic tools used in aligner therapy and how to appreciate the use of a clincheck application where the orthodontists can have full control of the simulated tooth movement using aligners. The attendees were also shown different variety of cases from simple tooth movement to severe cases where multiple tooth movements were necessary to finish the complicated cases using just the aligners.

Lastly, delegates were also taught how to deal with different types of problems encountered in orthodontics and to apply treatment philosophies in each case to ensure a more stable and optimally functional result with the use of only aligners particularly Invisalign. New associate members were also inducted during the first day of the 11th biennial regional congress. The inductees were Dr. Tracy Anne Azarcon, Dr. Edward Keith Beduya, Dr. Husein Khatibi , Dr. Jessamine De Jesus-Manzano and Dr. Carol Pontejos. Fellowship night was held at Sharky’s restaurant for all delegates to enjoy the local food of Palawan city and camaraderie among the delegates.