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Lab Tested. Outlaw Approved.
A long term review based on real production inside our own orthodontic lab.
AOS, Advanced Orthodontic Solutions.
The Quick Verdict
Yes
I would absolutely buy this product again. It solved a real production problem in our lab and continues to prove its value in daily use.
Full Product Review and Score Below 👇
Note: These findings are based on real world use in my lab. While every lab is unique, my goal is to share an honest account of what worked, what didn't and who I believe will benefit most.
Your lab is growing, you're struggling to hire experienced technicians or you want to increase production while improving consistency. It's also a strong fit if you're looking for a workflow that's easier to train, scale and build around for the future.
Your production volume is low, your current workflow already meets your needs or the machine would spend more time sitting than producing. If automation isn't solving a real problem today, your investment may be better made later.
AT A GLANCE
The important details, requirements and capabilities in one place.
Technical Specifications
Bender Output
INSIDE THE SETUP
Follow the real installation process, setup requirements, training and the first successful production result.
Delivery driver puts the pallet where you need it.
Note: The delivery pallet will not fit through a standard size man door.
The AOS machine arrived with the boxes and accessories shown here.
*Note: I already owned the black rolling cart, was not included with the machine.
Our first AOS setup before production. A simple workspace focused on learning the machine and software to get everything dialed in.
The first appliance design was created in the AOS software and prepared for bending.
After learning the basics of Jaw Draw (on day 3) and completing setup and calibration, the AOS produced its first wire in our lab.
We got everything dialed in and completed installation, software setup and calibration, the AOS was fully operational and ready for production.
The first wire produced after learning the basics of Jaw Draw, completing setup and calibration (day 8), This marked the beginning of production with the AOS in our lab.
With the wire bending complete and the fit confirmed, the appliance is ready to move into acrylic. The consistency of the bends helps everything come together cleanly and with less adjustment.
The finished appliance came together exactly as planned. The wire adaptation, positioning and fit were right where we wanted them before the appliance left the lab.
The final fit delivered the retention we were looking for with clean wire adaptation and minimal adjustment. This is where the accuracy of the AOS really shows in the finished appliance.
About two months in, we were comfortable with the software and ready to push the AOS beyond the basics to see what it could really do.
Note: We chose to leave the tails straight and make the final adjustments by hand. The software can also position and adjust the tails during the design process if preferred.
After designing a contoured wraparound in JawDraw, we sent it to bend. The design took about three minutes and the AOS completed the bend in just 41 seconds. That combination of speed and precision definitely impressed us.
We were really impressed with how accurately the AOS contoured the wraparound wire around each tooth. The wire hugged the teeth nice and tight, giving us a clean, consistent fit before moving on to acrylic.
Once the acrylic was finished, we checked the fit, retention and overall feel. The wraparound Hawley came together exactly the way we wanted, perfect.
We were able to get the wires dialed in perfectly for this Phase 1 Hawley retainer, with clean bends, accurate positioning and a great overall fit.
Note: We used preformed Adams clasps for this retainer.
When it came time to build a dedicated computer for JawDraw, I wanted something built for reliability, not just raw performance. After researching my options, I chose a Lenovo ThinkStation because it offers the processing power, stability and upgradeability needed for a busy orthodontic lab.
Since it's just the computer tower, you can choose the monitor(s), keyboard and mouse that best fit your workspace and budget.
Contact me if you'd like the exact computer specifications for my setup.
The AOS requires an external air compressor. After comparing several options, I chose the Fortress Ultra Quiet model because of the price point, it's compact, runs at only 57 dBA and provides more than enough air for the AOS.
Fortress Ultra Quiet Air Compressor
Harborfrieght.com
The AOS does not include inline moisture filter, quick connect fitting or airline adapters shown here. These components were purchased separately to complete the installation and prepare the machine for production.
Inline Moisture Filter purchased from Amazon.
Air Line Fittings and Adapters
Homedepot or any Hardware Store
Pros & Cons
No piece of equipment is perfect. Our job is to show you what it does exceptionally well and where it falls short, so you can make the right decision for your lab.
WHAT WORKS
Increased My Wire Production by Approx 80%
Accuracy Approx 90%, Minimal Hand Bending Needed
New employees with good computer skills can become productive much faster than learning traditional wire bending. Gamers often learn the software exceptionally fast.
Minor finishing bends are still part of the process, but the machine delivers reliable and repeatable results that are difficult to match by hand alone.
Depending on your production volume and long term goals, the AOS can become a valuable tool for growing your lab without adding the same number of technicians.
Having a knowledgeable support team based in Tampa, Florida, gives peace of mind. The AOS staff has consistently been responsive, helpful and available whenever we've needed assistance.
Low or no money down financing options may be available through Orthodontic Lab Solutions, making it easier for qualified labs to invest in the machine without a large upfront cost.
No sick days, no vacations and no Monday morning blues. The AOS is always ready to go when your lab is.
Designed and manufactured in the United States, the AOS offers the added benefit of American based production and customer support.
KNOW BEFORE BUYING
There's no getting around it. The AOS is a major purchase, so the return on investment will depend on how much your lab can take advantage of its capabilities.
In addition to the initial purchase price, there is an annual software fee. Renewing the subscription keeps the software active while providing continued access to updates and support.
Getting up and running requires a few additional purchases, including a compatible computer and an air supply. While these aren't major expenses compared to the machine itself, it would have been nice to see more of the essentials included.
Adams clasps are one area where the software still has room to grow. It's not a deal breaker, but it's an area that could continue to improve over time.
Helix loops are not currently supported by the AOS. Although some systems advertise this capability, it's still a challenging bend to automate consistently.
Using a different wire size requires a manual spool change. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes, although our lab rarely changes spools since most of our work is completed with .030 wire.
Don't forget to account for the wire spool when planning your setup. The complete system occupies more bench space than the machine alone, so having a dedicated work area is ideal.
This one's mostly a joke, but I honestly wish technology like this had existed much earlier in my career. It would've made many late nights in the lab a little easier and helped shorten the learning curve for new wire benders.
THE 7 STEP PROVE IT PROCESS
Talk Is Cheap.
Every Product Has to PROVE IT.
All products tested must prove itself through the same 7 step real world evaluation process.
Only then can it earn an official Ortho Outlaw rating.
Identify a production problem, review the manufacturer's claims and decide if the product is worth a shot in an ortho lab.
Document unboxing, installation, setup requirements, learning curve and everything needed to get up and running.
Put the product to work on real cases inside an active orthodontic lab to evaluate everyday performance, reliability and workflow impact.
Study production, reliability, maintenance, customer support, ROI value and overall consistency during everyday lab production.
Calculate performance, workflow impact, limitations and available alternatives against the manufacturer's claims and real world expectations.
Decide whether the product has proven itself, earns a place in an ortho lab or practice and if it's worth the investment.
Tally the scorecard, explain the trade offs and deliver the final recommendation.
THE STANDARD
Is there a product or piece of equipment the orthodontic community has been talking about? Let us know. We may feature it in an upcoming review.
Have a product or equipment you want us to test? Prove It!
Scorecard
After real production in my lab, the AOS earned its final Ortho Outlaw rating.
I would buy it and use it in my own lab.
Click the scorecard to open a larger view with zoom controls.
How We Work With Manufacturers
Industry Relationships Never Determine the Outcome.
Some of the products and equipment featured in our reviews are purchased by us for our own ortho lab. Others are provided or sponsored by manufacturers to support the review process through product access, technical information or other collaborative efforts. Those relationships never determine the outcome. Every product is evaluated using the same PROVEN IT review process and every rating is earned through real ortho lab testing, long term performance and one simple question: Would I confidently use it in my own lab?
Some companies become resale partners. Others simply earn our respect.
At the time of this review, the MB1B7 bender was approximately $65,000 and included the first year of software and one roll of wire.
The annual software fee was approximately $8,900, and a replacement roll of wire was approximately $900.
The short answer is that it is very accurate. Based on our experience, I would estimate around 90% on average, depending on the design and appliance.
The machine has struggled more with Adams clasps than with many of the other bends we produce. AOS has said it is actively working to improve that capability.
No. You will still need a skilled wire technician and pliers for final adjustments, complex designs and bends the machine does not currently support.
There is not one universal answer because production depends on the appliance, the operator's experience and whether the operator is creating a new design or running a previously saved design.
In our lab, we design and bend throughout the day, so production varies with the workload. Once a design has been saved, the AOS can bend many wire forms in approximately 30 to 40 seconds. AOS reports that previously designed parts can reach approximately 100 to 110 wire forms per hour under peak batch production conditions.
My advice is not to focus only on the number of parts it can produce in a day. Look at how much it increases your laboratory's overall production. For the appliances our AOS supports, we experienced approximately an 80% increase in wire production while also improving consistency and reducing manual wire bending.
Training is one of my favorite things about this machine. Someone with basic computer skills can usually learn the software and begin producing quality wire bends in approximately four to five days.
We have found that people who are comfortable with computers, CAD software or video games may understand the software and begin producing good bends in as little as one to three days. Learning orthodontic terminology and appliance design usually takes several additional weeks.
No. The AOS uses spool wire rather than individual straight wire lengths. Multiple wire sizes are available.
The AOS requires very little routine maintenance. The main responsibilities are keeping the machine properly calibrated and maintaining the air compressor according to the compressor manufacturer's recommendations.
Regular calibration, which takes approximately 20 minutes, helps maintain accurate and consistent bends. Basic air compressor maintenance may include draining moisture, checking filters and monitoring air pressure.
The software is updated regularly with improvements, new features, bug fixes and performance enhancements. One thing I have appreciated is that the AOS team has been open to customer feedback.
When users identify ways to improve the workflow or make the software more efficient, the team is willing to listen and may incorporate those ideas into future updates. From my experience, AOS continues improving the software rather than leaving it unchanged after the sale.
Return on investment will be different for every orthodontic/dental lab. It depends on production volume, labor costs, appliance mix, staffing challenges and how much hand wire bending you currently perform.
For the appliances the AOS can bend in our lab, we experienced approximately an 80% increase in wire production. That efficiency allowed us to produce more consistent wire bends while reducing the amount of manual wire bending required.
Look beyond the purchase price. Consider easier training for new employees, increased production, improved consistency, reduced dependence on experienced wire benders and the ability to better prepare your lab for growth or an eventual sale.
Financing may be available for qualified buyers. Low or no money down options may be available through Orthodontic Lab Solutions, depending on approval and current lending programs.
View financing informationThe AOS MicroBender is designed and built in the United States. AOS is based in Tampa, Florida.
Is It Right for Your Lab?
Decision Guide
An automated wire bender can be a valuable production tool, but the right decision depends on your workload, staffing, budget and long term goals.
A Strong Fit
An automated wire bender can be a strong investment for labs that want to increase production, improve consistency, simplify training and prepare for future growth.
May Not Be the Right Time
An automated wire bender is a production tool, not a complete replacement for experienced technicians. It may be difficult to justify when production volume is low or when most appliances fall outside the machine's current capabilities.
Everything above explains how I reached this conclusion. Everything below is the advice I would give another ortho/dental lab before making this investment.
The AOS has been a great investment for our ortho lab, but that does not automatically mean it is the right investment for yours. Every lab is different. Production volume, staffing, workflow, budget and long term goals all play an important role in determining whether an automated wire bender makes sense.
Our Experience
For our lab, the machine has increased production, improved consistency and made it much easier to train new employees. One of the biggest surprises was how quickly someone can become productive with it. In our experience, learning the orthodontic terminology often takes longer than learning the software and producing accurate wire bends. We have found that employees who are comfortable with computers, especially those with strong hand eye coordination from gaming, can pick up the on screen wire bending process surprisingly fast.
The Market
Since purchasing the AOS, other automated wire bending systems have entered the U.S. market. Some use straight wire instead of spool wire, some are priced similarly to the AOS and at least one is available at a considerably lower price point.
I have connected with manufacturers and lab owners who use these machines. We will be sharing their firsthand insight through upcoming interviews, videos and future reviews. As opportunities become available, I also plan to test these systems in our own lab, using the same production process and scoring criteria used throughout this website.
We Can Help
You can also check out pricing and additional details under the Shop Lab Products tab.
Where It Started. Where It Led.
Every brand has a different role. Every brand shares the same mission. Helping doctors and orthodontic labs achieve predictable, consistent results for every patient.
Together we support orthodontic laboratories and orthodontic practices through education, honest product reviews, trusted equipment partnerships, practical solutions and nearly 30 years of real world experience.
Where It All Started
The working orthodontic lab where all of the hands on experience, product testing and practical problem solving began.
Discover and Document
Media, reviews, laboratory tours, interviews and industry education from inside the orthodontic laboratory world.
Test and Evaluate
Independent testing, detailed scorecards and final ratings built around the six step PROVEN review process.
Select and Implement
From helping you choose the right equipment to coordinating the purchase, installation, training and long term support. Orthodontic Lab Solutions works with trusted manufacturers and distributors to help labs make confident purchasing decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
Independent Editorial Standards
For nearly 30 years, I've owned and operated orthodontic labs in Northern California. During that time I've built multiple ortho labs, redesigned workflows and implemented new technology to help our lab become more efficient and consistent. We were also proud to become the first fully digital orthodontic lab in Northern California. Along the way I've made some great investments and some costly mistakes, but every lesson has come from working in a real production environment where quality, consistency and efficiency matter every single day.
I created the Equipment Resource Center because I couldn't find the kind of honest, practical information I was looking for before making major purchasing decisions. Most of what I found came from marketing departments or sales people, instead of labs who actually depend on these products and equipment every day. The resources I was looking for simply didn't exist. My goal is to provide the kind of guidance I wish I had years ago, built on real laboratory testing, long term use and hands on experience.
Everything you'll find here is evaluated from the perspective of an ortho lab owner, not a salesperson. Every review, scorecard and recommendation is based on real world performance, not manufacturer claims, paid rankings or sponsored opinions. If a product earns my recommendation, it's because it proved itself in a working orthodontic lab and delivered real value where it matters most.
That same philosophy is the foundation of Orthodontic Lab Solutions. As an authorized reseller for carefully selected manufacturers and trusted industry partners, I only represent products and equipment I genuinely believe in and would confidently use in my own lab. My goal has never been to sell you equipment. My goal is to help you make informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes and invest in solutions that are right for your laboratory.
I don't represent products because I'm an authorized reseller. I'm an authorized reseller because I believe in the products I represent.
Whether you're researching your next piece of equipment, upgrading your workflow or building a new lab from the ground up, I hope this Equipment Resource Center gives you the knowledge, confidence and honest guidance to make informed decisions and invest in solutions that are right for your labs needs. And if you ever need help planning a new lab, redesigning your workflow, selecting equipment/products or navigating the buying process, I'm always happy to help.
If I wouldn't buy it for my own lab, I won't recommend it for yours.
Jason Dyas Ortho Outlaw
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