Finding the Right Aligner Partner: Leaving Legacy Status for Operational Support

GUESTS: Drs Stephen Sherman Jr, Kramer Sherman, and David Balhoff of Sherman & Balhoff OrthodonticsEPISODE DESCRIPTION:Making a major clinical transition in your orthodontic practice is never easy—especially when it means walking away from a top-tier status with a legacy clear aligner brand. In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, sponsored by Ormco, host Alison Werner speaks with orthodontists Drs Stephen Sherman, Kramer Sherman, and David Balhoff about the evolution of their thriving, multi-generational Louisiana-based practice and their strategic decision to transition to Spark Aligners.Despite initial hesitations about losing referral networks and pricing perks, the doctors explain why making the switch ultimately benefited their workflow. They detail how reliable technical support and dedicated customer service from Ormco drastically reduced their "digital homework," minimized refinements, and improved their work-life balance. They also discuss the clinical applications of Spark Aligners for complex cases and explain how consolidating brackets and aligners onto a unified digital platform is preparing their practice for the future.KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EPISODE:—Navigating Transitions Smoothly: How to successfully transition to a new clear aligner system without disrupting practice momentum, team morale, or profitability.—Reclaiming Your After-Hours: The impact of reliable technical support and consistent setups in reducing evening treatment planning ("digital homework") and reclaiming work-life balance.—Overcoming Status Anxiety: Why walking away from top-tier status with a legacy brand doesn't have to hurt your patient referrals or bottom line.—Clinical Versatility: Tips for treating complex cases, including open bites, severe crowding, and Class II malocclusions, with Spark Aligners.—Digital Consolidation: The operational and financial advantages of consolidating brackets and aligners onto a single platform to streamline vendor points of contact.CHAPTERS:01:20 - History of Sherman & Balhoff Orthodontics04:07 - Navigating a Multi-Generational Family Practice08:07 - Aligner Case Percentages & the Decision to Switch10:17 - Overcoming the Fear of Losing Top-Tier Status12:44 - Reducing "Digital Homework" and After-Hours Work14:12 - Clinical Success: Complex Cases & Spark Aligners16:28 - Elevating Clinical Confidence Through Continuing Education18:11 - Staff Buy-In and Implementing System Transitions22:47 - Consolidating Brackets and Aligners on One Platform24:30 - Advice for Orthodontists Considering an Aligner SwitchABOUT THE GUESTS:Drs Stephen Sherman Jr, Kramer Sherman, and David Balhoff are partners at Sherman & Balhoff Orthodontics, a multi-generational, four-location practice serving the Baton Rouge, Louisiana community.__________👉 Connect & SubscribePodcast: Apple | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTubeLike 👍, comment 💬, and subscribe 🔔 for future episodes.VISIT ORTHODONTIC PRODUCTS: https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/SUBSCRIBE to THE OP NEWSLETTER: https://info.medqor.com/opsubformINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/orthoproductsmag/FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OrthoProducts/LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortho-products/Have a question for a future episode? Drop it in the comments or email editor@orthodonticproductsonline.com#Orthodontics #ClearAligners #SparkAligners #Orthodontist #PracticeManagement #DigitalOrthodontics