The Jordanian 1st clear aligner symposium and 14th Orthodontic Congress (14th JOC)

The Ritz-Carlton, Amman, Jordan
17th 18th and 19th September 2025

Clear Aligners Session

Clear Aligners Session

Date & Time

Day2
Thursday 18th Sept

02:15-06:00

Hall "B"
Schedule
01

Title: New Challenges in Aligner Orthodontics

Time: 02:15 - 03:45

Speaker: Dr. Akim BenAttia

02

Title: Orthodontic Aligner Design and 3D Printing: Latest Developments and Insights.

Time: 03:45 - 04:30

Speaker: Dr. Ahmad Ghunaima

Time: 04:30-04:45 Coffee break

03

Title: Class III, clearly corrected Revolutionizing class III treatments with aligners

Time: 04:45 - 05:30

Speaker: Dr. Samer Sunna

04

Title: Adjuncts Matter: Importance for Aligner Effectiveness

Time: 05:30 -06:00

Speaker: Dr. Omar Chawshli

NEW CHALLENGES IN ALIGNER ORTHODONTICS.

25 years after the first Aligners were produced by Digital Technology, have Aligner treatments improved? What might the future of Aligner Orthodontics be? Can we improve digital software by including patient smiles or TMJ? Is the Shape might be the future of Aligner Orthodontics? Must we still treat Class Il malocclusions by upper distalisation even if the class Il has mandible retrusion? >

Orthodontic Aligner Design and 3D Printing: Latest Developments and Insights.

The field of orthodontics has experienced significant advancements with the integration of 3D printing technology and virtual treatment planning, transforming the design and production of clear aligners. This presentation explores the latest innovations in orthodontic aligner design, with a focus on the adoption of digital workflow and 3D printing techniques for in-house fabrication of clear aligners using shape memory polymers. These advancements have enabled more precise customization, enhancing both the efficiency and patient comfort in aligner therapy. Key developments include improvements in digital workflow, material innovation for increased aligner strength, and optimization of tooth movement prediction models. This presentation will provide insights into the creation of a user-friendly digital workflow that orthodontists can leverage to produce clear aligners in-house. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, particularly in virtual planning and aligner design, material biocompatibility, maintaining high production standards, and variability in manufacturing techniques.

Revolutionizing Class III Malocclusion Treatment with Clear Aligner Technology

Dr. Samer Sunna distills his 30+ years of orthodontic expertise into a focused review of clear-aligner strategies for Class III malocclusion. Through key case examples, he’ll demonstrate the use of attachments, precision cuts, elastics, and staging protocols to optimize sagittal correction, improve predictability, and ensure long-term stability.

Adjuncts Matter: Importance for Aligner Effectiveness

In this focused session, Dr. Chawshli will reveal how strategic adjuncts amplify the biomechanical reach of clear aligners. Through case examples, you’ll learn protocols for choosing and configuring each auxiliary to master complex movements, bolster anchorage, and secure long-term stability.

Timing is Everything: A Guide to Treating Pre-Teen Patients on Time - Every Time.

Orthodontic intervention during the pre-teen years presents a critical window of opportunity for guiding dental, skeletal, functional and behavioral development. Despite its potential benefits, interceptive orthodontic treatment remains a topic of ongoing debate, with differing views on its necessity, timing, and long-term efficacy. Principles of timely diagnosis and phased treatment planning will be explored. Emphasis will be placed on eliminating any confusion surrounding case suitability. Communication with families and dental colleagues about the rationale for intervention timing will be reviewed.

Beyond the Face: Brain Structure Alterations in Non-Syndromic Cleft Lip and/or Palate.

Non-syndromic cleft lip and/or palate (NSCL/P) is among the most common congenital craniofacial anomalies, traditionally studied for its structural and functional impacts on the orofacial region. However, emerging neuroimaging evidence suggests that NSCL/P may also be associated with subtle but consistent alterations in brain development. This review and meta- analysis aims to synthesize the current literature on brain structural differences in individuals with NSCL/P compared to unaffected controls. Following a systematic search of relevant databases, studies utilizing MRI to assess brain morphology in NSCL/P populations were identified and quantitatively analyzed. The meta- analysis revealed a significant reduction in both overall intracranial volume and total cerebellar volume among individuals with NSCL/P. These findings suggest that the condition may involve neurodevelopmental differences extending beyond the cleft region, potentially contributing to the cognitive and behavioral outcomes observed in some affected individuals. The results underscore the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to the care of patients with NSCL/P, integrating insights from craniofacial, orthodontic, and neurodevelopmental perspectives. Further research is warranted to explore the clinical implications of these structural brain differences and their potential influence on treatment planning and long-term outcomes.

Dr. Akim BeniAttia

- Qualified specialist in Dentofacial Orthopaedics.
- Former Assistant at French Universities.
- Professor of the In-Office Aligners.
- University Diploma in Dijon, France.
- General Secretary of the French Aligner Society.
- Member of the French Society of Dentofacial Orthopaedics.
- Member of the European Aligner Society.
- Member of Japan Academy of Aligner.
- Consultant Onyxceph software company.

Dr. Ahmad Ghoneima

- PhD in Orthodontics from Indiana University, and Al-Azhar University, Egypt.
- MSc in Orthodontics from Indiana University and Al-Azhar University, Egypt.
- BDS from Al-Azhar University, Egypt.
- Professor of Orthodontics, Mohammed Bin Rashid University – Dubai.
- Tenure Track - Assistant Professor of Orthodontics, Indiana University School of Dentistry, USA.
- Fellowship in Dental Surgery of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
- Outstanding Reviewer Recognition by the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.
- Joint-Supervision PhD Scholarship (Al-Azhar University – Indiana University) 2008 – 2010

Dr. Samer Sunna

- The founder of and principal consultant at Sunna Orthodontics, Amman, Jordan.
- He obtained his Master in Orthodontics degree from the University of Birmingham.
- Membership in Orthodontics from the Royal college of surgeons of England.
- He held academic positions at the University of Birmingham and the University of Jordan and is an examiner for the MSc program at the Jordan University of Science and Technology.
- Sunna is a speaker for the M.Orth. certification program of the Royal college of Surgeons of Edinburgh and runs an aligner course certified by the American Dental Association.
- Member of the review board of the Jordanian Medical Journal and a member of the editorial board of the Jordanian Dental Journal in 2004.

Dr. Omar Chawshli

- Professor of Orthodontics and Consultant Orthodontist at Hawler Medical University.
- Vice-Dean at Hawler Medical University (2015–2020).
- He earned his B.D.S. from Salaheddin University.
- M.Sc. (2008) and Ph.D. (2014) in Orthodontics from Hawler Medical University.
- He is a Certified Incognito® (lingual) and DAMON® System practitioner.
- A member of the Iraqi Dental Association, Iraqi Orthodontic Society, Arab Orthodontic Society, World Federation of Orthodontists, American Association of Orthodontists, European Orthodontic Society, and Italy’s SIDO.
- In private practice he works with Roth/MBT and DAMON fixed appliances, Incognito® lingual braces, and clear-aligner systems.

Dr. Abdelhakim El-Gheriani

- Consultant Orthodontist.
- Doctor of dental medicine degree from the University of Pittsburgh, USA.
- Master of science in Human Genetics from the University of Pittsburgh.
- BDS from Benghazi University.
- MSD from the University of Colorado.
- He is a certified Diplomate in the American Board of Orthodontics.
- He served on the faculty at the University of Pittsburgh.
- Assistant Professor of Orthodontics and Clinic Director at the European University College, Dubai.
- He is a UAE Ambassador for the American Association of Orthodontists.
- He is an Invisalign Diamond Provider.

Dr. Nadine AlHmoud

- Orthodontist at Platinum Medical Center, Doha, Qatar.
- Training at Royal United Hospitals, United Kingdom.
- General Practitioner at Platinum Dental Center, Qatar.
- Part-time Lecturer, University of Qatar.
- Jordanian Board in Orthodontics.
- Orthodontic Master degree from University of Bristol, United Kingdom.
- Member of Royal College of Surgeons – M. Orth (England), M. Orth (Edinburgh) and MFDS (Ireland). - Bachelor Degree in Dental Surgery from Jordan University of Science & Technology, Jordan.