Align Technology obtains CE marking in Europe for palatal expander

Emphasising the advantages of the system in the treatment of young patients, the company said that its use with Invisalign First aligners provides dentists with a full solution for early intervention in Phase 1 orthodontic treatment. “Phase 1 treatment is traditionally done through arch expanders or partial metal braces, before all permanent teeth have erupted—typically at ages 6 through 10. Invisalign First clear aligners are designed specifically to address a broad range of younger patients’ malocclusions, including shorter clinical crowns, management of erupting dentition, and predictable dental arch expansion,” Align explained.

Dr Mitra Derakhshan, the company’s executive vice president and chief clinical officer, said that the use of early interceptive treatment is growing and already accounts for 20% of orthodontic case starts. “Together with Invisalign First aligners, Invisalign Palatal Expanders provide doctors with a solution set to treat the most common skeletal and dental malocclusions in growing children,” Dr Derakhshan commented.

Align CEO Joseph Hogan told investors in the company’s third-quarter 2024 earnings call that the company was excited to extend the commercial availability of its first direct 3D-printed orthodontic appliance. In 2024, the Palatal Expander System was launched in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore.