Inman Orthodontic Laboratories Inc

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Inman Orthodontic Laboratories Inc

We are a full service orthodontic laboratory serving the needs of the dental profession since 1977. Full Service Orthodontic Lab

We are known for our high quality and innovative appliances such as the award winning Inman Aligner and Inman Power Component Appliances

12/09/2026

Oh, no Don is posting Inman Aligners again!

Yes I am but you might have not seen this one before. It is a Lower IA w/expansion.

Before I go into the details please note the pics where taken without the appliance fully seated. This is why the Adams Clasps look so far off. I would have asked Jesse to take new photos but the appliance shipped. Also the screw should have been placed tighter to the tissue IMO.

Anyway...we used to make the Lower IAs w/expansion using a traditional screw imbedded in acrylic. The problem was this is a weak area of the appliance and they broke from time to time. We started using a 2 arm fixed screw as shown and this solved the problem. The appliance obviously is a bit more bulky using this screw but we never had complaints.

The other appliance is a combination of a printed Hyrax and a Halterman. You all know I love printed metal appliances so I had to post this. Thank you Tim Bertram, your work never disapoints!

If you look at the pics you will see we used both white and black backgrounds. We cannot decide which look better / show the appliance better. I welcome your thoughts.

Have an amazing weekend everyone,

Don

04/09/2026

Happy Labor Day weekend US!

We are posting a few interesting printed appliances and a few pontic cases. Jesse added unusual extra retention to the Lower Expander (FLEA) and designed the Upper Hyrax banding the UL 4 / Bi. The flexibility Jesse has with the design software blows me away. I am very happy to still be involved in our laboratory so I can see all these amazing advancements in the laboratory world.

Dear Inman Team:
Please enjoy your long weekend, you all deserve it after the busy summer we have had. Enjoy the extra time with your families and we will see you Tuesday.

Don

28/08/2026

Friday already again!

I am posting this 3D printed unilateral Pendulum this week for several reasons. The first reason is I love the strength the appliance has being 3D printed. I love the amazing fit of the appliance as well. However the main reason I wanted to feature this appliance is to try to engage your thoughts on the position of the helix of the distalizing spring. Over the years I have had accounts ask that the helix be placed horizontal, a few MM above the palate. I always thought doing so would create a force that would roll the molar lingual and into the palate. If the helix is placed vertical and along the palatal vault, wouldn't we get better distal movement? We all have seen cases where the Pendulum spring has driven the molar distal but really mostly just tipped the molar. What if we move the helix distal, what effect will this have on tooth movement?

I hope to spark a conversation by posting this appliance. I have been asked to place the distalizing springs many different ways over the years and I have always followed my customers wishes. I personally feel the springs would function best placed vertically along the palatal vault with the helix placed toward the distal of the molar. Your thoughts?

I also added a few pics of a Brazilian functional appliance called a SN 1. Sidnei (our Superman lab manager) fabricates several types of these SN type appliances. Maybe I should dedicate a few posts featuring them?

Have a great and safe weekend,

Don

17/08/2026

We were honored to have VIPs visit us. Dr. Ashleigh Wu and Dr. David Carroll from Carroll Dentistry. Two of the best dental professionals and really nice people as well!

Please know we are proud of our facility and welcome visits. Doctors, Staff and Technicians are welcome, please just schedule your visit in advance.

07/08/2026

I blink and it's Friday!

This weeks post is a video that once again proves digital and analog work together. Although the appliance was digitally designed and 3D printed it required talented analog work to complete. The metal was hand finished, it was hand articulated, the acrylic work was all done by hand and most importantly it took a knowledgable technician to design the appliance.

I am obviously proud of Jesse but I am also proud of our entire team. Everyone at our lab is extremely important to the process of producing the work we do.

Thank you everyone at Inman for all you do and have a awesome weekend!

Don

03/08/2026

This post is dedicated to the Superman we call Sidnei. He manages the daily production, he produces an unbelievable amount of work himself, he manages the production team and does it in a way that he is well respected and well liked. Any of you that manage people know how damn hard this can be! So what does Sidnei do when he is not being Superman? He puts on his chef hat and becomes Gordon Ramsay. Today he treated our team to Bacon Cheeseburgers and Fries. It is just a little hot outside but that did not stop him. You can see the team appreciates all his efforts as do Jesse and I. Thank you Sidnei for everything you do, not just in the lab but in your life. You are an absolutely amazing person.

PS: I snuck in a pic of some pretty retainers.....

24/07/2026

Holy Cow, it's Friday already again! Now that I am old (I never thought I would think this way) they come too fast.

The first case I want to feature this week is a perfect example of why technicians should not fear technology. The Hyrax framework and bands were 3D printed but we needed to add a Bluegrass Roller. Talented Jeff fabricated a Pin and Tube to hold the Roller and laser welded the 3 piece component to the framework.

This appliance needed a digital technician to design the bands and framework. It required skilled machine technicians to print the appliance and skilled metal finishers to finish and polish the framework. It then required a skilled Wire Bender / Laser Welder to add the Roller and weld in the screw.

If you are a good technician, you will always have a job. Do not fear technology, especially AI. YOU CANNOT BE REPLACED!

The second appliance featured is a Hyrax fabricated with a partially opened screw. My guess is this is a replacement appliance and the clinician wanted some wiggle room if the patient looses some expansion before the new appliance is inserted. The screw can be closed to help the appliance seat if needed.

We also thought maybe the patient was "Over Expanded" and the appliance would be used to reduce the expansion. However if that was the goal why not open the screw all the way?

Have a great and safe weekend,

Don

PS I will add videos of both appliances in the comments

22/07/2026

July's Birthdays .........

Happy Birthday (from left) Gisselle, Valentina, Schelach and Jeff. I envy their youth!

10/07/2026

So this week I thought I would mix it up and feature a little bit of everything. The blue lower is an Inman Aligner Arch Developer, think Lower 3 Way. It will advance and round out the anterior teeth and upright/expand the posterior. Next is an Upper 3 Way and a Lower Expander followed by some beautiful acrylic work from Marleni. Lastly a SLS printed metal appliance designed in house by Jesse. We design ALL our printed appliances in house, we simply feel they are better than AI designed.

I wish you all an awesome weekend,
Don

02/07/2026

Happy 250th to the United States. We celebrated today with one of Sidnei's famous Brazilian BBQs. Valentina also organized and managed a donation drive to help the people of Venezuela. We had great food for our stomachs and compassion in our hearts, a great way to spend an afternoon.

If you look closely at the pics, you might see a rare one of me. Hint: I am the old guy!

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Opening Hours

Monday	08:30 - 16:30
Tuesday	08:30 - 16:30
Wednesday	08:30 - 16:30
Thursday	08:30 - 16:30
Friday	08:30 - 16:30

Website

http://inmanortho.com/

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