TD: Digitalisation is already a reality in dentistry. Are you developing any new products, solutions and services for dentists?
ZR: Digital is part of Align’s DNA. We’re focused on developing innovative new technologies that have a strong and profound impact on doctor's practice and patient experience.
For example, for a greater control of treatment planning, we have introduced a new tool into our ClinCheck treatment planning software called Plan Editor. This enables flexibility and customisation for doctors, allowing them to quickly make broad, macro modification, exceptions, or to deviate, if needed, from their treatment planning templates for a specific patient to help improve clinical outcomes. Just like the precise changes that doctors already make with 3D controls, more significant changes can be made with Plan Editor and show up in minutes with ClinCheck live update.
On the iTero scanner aspect of our portfolio, we have recently launched the Align Oral Health Suite, an intuitive digital interface designed to enhance dental consultations and drive dental treatment acceptance. It offers a modern approach to dental examinations, featuring an innovative clinical framework that empowers doctors and their clinic staff to conduct comprehensive oral health assessments via a single scan using patient-friendly terminology, and providing a highly engaging patient-centric experience.
TD: How is Align working on the development of AI?
ZR: We’re leading innovation around the use of AI in digital dentistry to drive improvements in workflows, treatment planning and doctor-patient interactions. Currently, we’re developing AI models to help doctors throughout the treatment journey – from patient data acquisition, clinical analysis and diagnosis to treatment planning, delivery, and oversight.
With data from over 17m Invisalign cases, we are uniquely positioned to utilise AI to help our Invisalign-trained doctors plan more predictable treatment outcomes and maintain continuity of care for their patients. For example, the Invisalign system uses advanced diagnostic tools, as well as predictive AI, to help doctors deliver exceptional clinical outcomes. For patients, Invisalign Smile View uses multiple AI techniques to create a non-clinical simulation that helps them visualise the potential results of an orthodontic treatment.
Whilst we emphasise that AI should not replace the expert role of dental professionals, teledentistry allows for a combination of in-person visits and at-home care, reducing the need for frequent trips to the dentist. The doctor-patient experience of Invisalign Virtual Care includes AI-powered features such as automated assessment and patient progress reports integrated with doctor apps. As technology advances and new tools are developed, doctors can oversee treatments more closely, monitor patient responses to treatments remotely, and be alerted if any issues arise.
To reiterate the concerns some of the clinicians may have. AI is not going to replace the role of dental professionals, whose expertise is crucial to ensuring safe and predictable treatments. However, this type of technology does allow dentists and orthodontists to leverage their experience and skills to deliver greater clinical outcomes and patient experience, which is something we are very excited about. Harnessing AI opens possibilities to provide faster and more efficient workflows, making orthodontic treatment accessible to more patients.
TD: Have there been any developments or innovations in the Invisalign system?
ZR: The latest innovations in the Invisalign system have brought significant advancements to orthodontic treatment, catering to the specific needs and preferences of patients, particularly young people and teens. One notable development is the introduction of the Invisalign Palatal Expander System, a tailored treatment designed to address issues related to teeth and jaw alignment in children and adolescents. This custom-made device gradually widens the upper jaw over time, addressing concerns such as crowded teeth, crossbites, and narrow dental arches. By creating more space in the mouth, it can prevent more serious orthodontic problems in the future, such as impacted teeth or the need for tooth extraction. This innovation is currently pending regulatory approvals in the EU, before we can introduce it in European markets.
Another leading-edge addition is the SmartForce attachment-free aligner activation feature, integrated into Invisalign clear aligners. This technology enhances the movement of teeth during orthodontic treatment without the need for traditional attachments. Instead, tooth-coloured shapes on the aligners deliver the necessary force to strategically control tooth movements. This offers several advantages, including improved efficiency, enhanced comfort, aesthetic appeal, convenience, and predictable tooth movement throughout the treatment process.
By incorporating these latest innovations, the Invisalign system continues to evolve, providing patients with effective, comfortable, and discreet orthodontic solutions tailored to their unique needs.
TD: Align Technology has recently announced the acquisition of Cubicure, a pioneer in direct 3D printing solutions for polymer additive manufacturing that develops, produces and distributes innovative materials, equipment and processes for novel 3D printing solutions. How will this support Align’s innovation roadmap?
ZR: The acquisition of Cubicure represents a significant step forward for Align’s strategic innovation roadmap. Align is currently the largest 3D manufacturer in the world, producing around one million unique Invisalign clear aligners per day. Cubicure will enable us to scale our printing operations, so in time we will have the ability to direct print millions of custom appliances per day; allowing us to meet the evolving needs of patients and orthodontic professionals more effectively.
Also, we will be able to leverage advanced 3D printing technology. The Invisalign Palatal Expander system that I mentioned before, is Align’s first direct 3D-printed orthodontic device. With the acquisition of Cubicure we are looking to extend the materials and manufacturing capabilities for our 3D printed product portfolio – to offer greater customisation and personalisation. This will enable us to deliver tailored orthodontic devices that meet each patient's unique dental anatomy and treatment needs, resulting in more precise and effective outcomes.