Empowering your team

Custom orthodontics redefines efficiency in practice

Staying ahead in orthodontics means adapting to innovations that enhance both patient care and operational efficiency. For Dr. Melanie Wang of Dr. Melanie Orthodontics, the shift to KLOwen’s Full Custom Digital Solution was driven by a primary concern — efficiency.

Find out how she and her team implemented a custom digital approach to get practice growth without sacrificing time.

Why did you choose KLOwen Custom Orthodontics?

Dr. Wang: My reason for moving to the KLOwen Custom Digital Solution was my concern for efficiency. I started 2020 with a packed schedule and a new practice. I wanted growth without more clinical days, and I wanted to do it without bringing more stress on my team.

What were some of the challenges you had to overcome?

Dr. Wang: I know change can be hard — that my team might not like new tech for a couple of months, but I was committed to positive change.

Barbara: In conventional orthodontics, we were always stressed trying to give the patient a good experience and be efficient with their time. Moving from hand-placing brackets to indirect digital bonding (IDB) had a learning curve, but we jumped in and saw how efficient it was — way less stressful.

The most stressful appointment used to be the bonding day. Assistants would have patients prepped, and everyone would wait on the doctor. Now, the assistants do the bonding and have time to focus on the patient.

What do you love most about the KLOwen Custom Digital Solution?

Dr. Wang: We don’t want ortho appointments to be a burden to our patients. With a custom prescription and slot filling mechanics, where you position the teeth in KLOwen software is where they go biologically. It takes away the detailing appointments at the end, so patients don’t have as many appointments along the way.

Barbara: I work with all the different types of software we use. I love how easy it is to upload the cases and review the digital setup in the KLOwen software. I submit our KLOwen custom cases, review the digital setup, and work with Dr. Wang on approvals.

Dr. Wang: She knows how to do it really well. So, she does a lot of setups for me. She finishes, and I maybe tweak it a little bit, but she gets the job done. It’s great to have her and for everything to not be waiting on me.

Barbara: Also, the KLOwen IDB trays are solid; you know they are in. The very first case we did, nothing came off which was great motivation for the team to keep going to learn more.

Dr. Wang: I remember doing a bonding during a time when we were very short-staffed. I was nervous because I hadn’t done a bonding in a long time. It worked seamlessly!

Barbara: The KLOwen team made it easy for me to learn, so I could train our team. With proper training, there wasn’t much of a learning curve for us. We rely on our Practice Development Specialist any time we feel like we may need a refresher or have questions.

What has been your biggest success since switching to the KLOwen Custom Digital Solution?

Dr. Wang: From 2019 to 2024, my practice has doubled, and I’m still working the same number of clinical days as before. I’m thrilled because it’s important for my team and me to have time outside of the practice to do things we love.

Barbara: We love having greater autonomy, efficiency, and not having to pull Dr. Wang in so many directions throughout the day. This custom treatment allows us to own the appointment and give more focus and attention to the patient, from start to finish.

This information was provided by KLOwen.