Bjorn Ludwig

Björn Ludwig is an orthodontics specialist who operates his private office in a small village in Germany. He holds positions at three universities: the University of Homburg/Saar in Germany, the Department of Orthodontics, Institute of Odontology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden, and as an Adjunct Professor at Kyung Hee University School of Dentistry, Seoul, Korea.

• While his primary focus is on clinical work, he has a strong affinity for technology, which consistently sparks his interest.
•  He is dedicated to advancing as a researcher and writer, actively participating in a variety of research projects and taking on editorial roles for academic journals.
• Furthermore, he serves as an editor for several books and is the author of numerous book chapters in classic orthodontic texts.
• In addition to his passion for orthodontics, he also takes pleasure in cycling as a means to unwind.

Course Details

This lecture retraces a two-decade professional journey in orthodontics — from early overconfidence and fascination with high-tech surgical tools, through the deep frustration of cases that seemed impossible to finish, and finally into the pragmatic, biologically grounded, and ethically conscious practice of today. Along the way, the narrative will explore how technological enthusiasm can both inspire and mislead, how the “black hole” of clinical frustration can ultimately lead to growth, and how embracing simplicity and biological fundamentals opens the door to meaningful progress.

The lecture will be illustrated with current literature, classic references, case examples, and images — including successes, failures, and even some humorous mistakes. Ultimately, it aims to celebrate orthodontics as one of the most rewarding professions in the world, provided we balance innovation with realism, science with humility, and technology with biology.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lecture, participants will be able to:

1. Recognize the pitfalls of overconfidence and overreliance on high-tech solutions in orthodontics.
2. Understand the role of frustration and “failed cases” as drivers of clinical maturity and innovation.
3. Evaluate the balance between high-tech and low-tech approaches in light of biology, ethics, and patient outcomes.
4. Apply pragmatic strategies to finish challenging cases more predictably and realistically.
5. Reflect on the evolving identity of orthodontics as both a science and an art, and on the privilege of practicing it.