The Future of Orthodontic Technology That Actually Matters

By Jill Allen | Hey Docs! Podcast with Kevin and Reid Simmons, Planet DDS | April 9, 2026

🎧 Listen to the Full Episode 
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

Orthodontic technology is evolving fast. Faster than most practices can realistically keep up with if they are not intentional about what they adopt and why.

New platforms. AI integrations. Multi-location capabilities. It all sounds promising. But here is the real question most practices should be asking:

Is this technology actually making your practice better, or just more complicated?

In this episode of the Hey Docs! podcast, Jill Allen sits down with Kevin and Reid Simmons of Planet DDS to break down where orthodontic technology has been, where it is going, and how to think about it as a business owner.

How Orthodontic Software Has Evolved Over Time

Before cloud-based systems and AI-driven workflows, orthodontic software was built for a much simpler version of the practice.

Reid Simmons helped develop one of the first orthodontic software systems, OrthoTrac, in the early 1980s. At the time, the goal was straightforward: digitize basic practice functions and improve efficiency.

Fast forward to today, and the expectations are completely different.

Modern orthodontic software is no longer just about managing schedules and records. It is expected to:

• Support multi-location practices
• Integrate with other systems and technologies
• Provide real-time data access
• Improve both team workflows and patient experience

What changed is not just the technology. It is the complexity of the orthodontic business itself.

💡 JA&A Insight
Technology should evolve alongside your practice. If your systems are more advanced than your operations, you create friction instead of efficiency.

Why Cloud-Based Orthodontic Software Changed Everything

The shift from server-based systems to cloud-based platforms like Cloud 9 marked a major turning point.

Cloud-based systems allow practices to:

• Access data from anywhere
• Connect multiple locations seamlessly
• Reduce IT infrastructure and maintenance costs
• Scale more easily as the practice grows

For growing orthodontic practices, this is not just a convenience. It is a requirement.

If your systems cannot support expansion, your growth will stall or become unnecessarily complicated.

The key advantage is flexibility. Practices are no longer tied to a single physical location or dependent on in-office servers to operate.

What Planet DDS Is Building for Multi-Specialty Practices

The acquisition of Cloud 9 by Planet DDS represents a larger trend in the industry.

Orthodontics is no longer operating in isolation. More practices are moving toward:

• Multi-location models
• Multi-specialty integration
• Group practice structures

Planet DDS is positioning itself to support that shift by combining orthodontic and dental software capabilities into a single ecosystem.

This matters because fragmented systems create operational gaps.

When your technology does not communicate across locations or specialties, your team feels it, your patients experience it, and your data becomes harder to trust.

A unified system creates alignment across the business.

How AI Is Actually Being Used in Orthodontic Practices

AI is one of the most talked-about topics in orthodontics right now. But most of the conversation is still surface-level.

What Kevin and Reid highlight is where AI is becoming practical, not theoretical.

Current applications include:

• Smarter scheduling and appointment optimization
• Streamlined data entry and automation
• Improved reporting and decision-making insights

The goal is not to replace your team. It is to remove unnecessary friction from their day.

When used correctly, AI allows your team to focus on higher-value interactions like patient communication, case acceptance, and overall experience.

💡 JA&A Insight
If AI is saving time but not improving outcomes, it is not working hard enough for your practice.

Why User Feedback Is Driving Better Orthodontic Technology

One of the most important shifts happening right now is how technology companies are building their products.

Instead of developing in isolation, companies like Planet DDS are actively incorporating:

• User feedback
• Advisory boards
• Real-world practice insights

This matters because orthodontic practices are not one-size-fits-all.

The best technology solutions are built with input from the people actually using them every day.

If your software feels disconnected from how your practice operates, it is likely because your workflow was not part of the conversation.

The Real Takeaway: Technology Should Support Strategy, Not Replace It

Technology is not the strategy. It is the tool that supports it.

The most successful orthodontic practices are not the ones with the most advanced systems. They are the ones that:

• Implement technology intentionally
• Align it with their growth goals
• Train their teams to use it effectively
• Continuously evaluate what is working and what is not

The practices that struggle are usually not behind on technology. They are misaligned in how they use it.

If you are considering new systems, upgrades, or AI tools, the starting point is not the feature list.

It is your operational clarity.

Because better technology will not fix a broken system. It will just expose it faster.

Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontic Technology

What is the best orthodontic software for growing practices?

The best orthodontic software is one that supports your current operations while allowing for future growth. Look for systems that offer cloud-based access, multi-location support, and strong integrations. The right choice depends on how your practice is structured and where you are headed.

Should orthodontic practices switch to cloud-based software?

For most practices, yes. Cloud-based systems provide flexibility, scalability, and lower infrastructure costs. They are especially important for practices managing multiple locations or planning to expand.

How is AI being used in orthodontic practices today?

AI is currently being used to improve scheduling, automate data entry, and enhance reporting. Its primary role is to increase efficiency and reduce administrative workload so teams can focus more on patient experience and case acceptance.

Is multi-specialty software necessary for orthodontic practices?

Not always, but it is becoming more relevant. Practices that operate within group or multi-specialty models benefit from integrated systems that allow for better communication, reporting, and patient management across disciplines.

How do I know if my practice is ready for new technology?

Your practice is ready when your current systems are limiting efficiency, growth, or patient experience. Before implementing new technology, ensure your workflows are clearly defined and your team is prepared to adopt and use the system effectively.

Can better technology improve case acceptance in orthodontics?

Yes, but only when paired with strong communication and processes. Technology can support case presentation, streamline workflows, and provide better insights, but it does not replace the need for a well-trained team and clear patient communication.

Final Thoughts

Technology is moving fast. Your practice does not need to chase all of it.

It needs to choose the right pieces, at the right time, for the right reasons.

If you are navigating what systems to implement or how to align your operations with your growth goals, that is exactly where strategy matters most.

And it is exactly where we help.

👉 Connect with our team to start building a smarter, more aligned practice.