Align Technology, a leading global medical device company that designs, manufactures and sells the Invisalign System of clear aligners, iTero intraoral scanners and exocad CAD/CAM software for digital orthodontics and restorative dentistry, has announced that the latest innovation, the Invisalign Palatal Expander System will be made available to doctors in the UAE.
The Invisalign Palatal Expander, launched in the UAE markets in November 2024, offers a revolutionary approach to early intervention orthodontic care for children and teens. The System streamlines early intervention care with additive manufacturing technology, eliminating the need for manual adjustments common with traditional expanders.
The IPE system addresses transverse malocclusion and enables orthodontists to efficiently manage skeletal and dental arch expansion in younger patients. When combined with Invisalign First aligners and iTero scanners, this system delivers a fully integrated treatment plan designed to improve comfort, accuracy and patient outcomes.
Angelo Maura, General Manager Middle East, Align Technology, said: “This innovation opens up new possibilities for early intervention in orthodontics, offering a transformative approach to skeletal expansion in younger patients and underscoring the long-term health benefits of using gentler, patient-friendly solutions over traditional methods.
“Our goal is to empower dental professionals across the region to integrate advanced tools into their practices, fostering a future where clear aligners become the standard for treating younger patients,” added Maura.
Introducing a revolutionary 3D-printed approach to skeletal expansion
The Invisalign Palatal Expander System (IPE) offers a comfortable and precise alternative to traditional expanders, which require manual screw adjustments. This innovative device leverages additive manufacturing (3D printing) to achieve controlled, sequential expansion that adapts to each child’s anatomy, making it less intrusive and easier for both patients and parents.
Key features of the Invisalign Palatal Expander System:
- Precision through 3D printing: The system offers precise control over skeletal expansion, avoiding the discomfort of manual adjustments required by traditional metal expanders.
- Full digital workflow integration: Combined with Invisalign First aligners and iTero intraoral scanning technology, the system provides orthodontists with a seamless, end-to-end digital treatment plan for growing patients.
- Proven clinical effectiveness: Based on data from a multi-site US Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) clinical study involving patients aged seven to 10 years, the IPE system demonstrated effective results for early interceptive treatment.
- Reduced invasive interventions: The Invisalign Palatal Expander simplifies treatment by avoiding complex manual processes, offering a more comfortable experience for children and teens.