Invisalign® Palatal Expander Now Available in Turkey for Growing Patients
Align Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALGN), a global leader in medical devices, specializing in the Invisalign® System of clear aligners, iTero™ intraoral scanners, and exocad™ CAD/CAM software for digital orthodontics and restorative dentistry, announced today that its Invisalign Palatal Expander System has received approval from the Turkish Medicines and Medical Device Agency (TMMDA). This approval means the system is now commercially available in Turkey for a wide range of patients, including growing children, teens, and adults who may require surgery or other techniques.
Align Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALGN), a leader in digital orthodontics and restorative dentistry, has achieved another significant milestone with the approval of its Invisalign® Palatal Expander System by the Turkish Medicines and Medical Device Agency (TMMDA). This approval opens the door for the system’s commercial availability in Turkey, allowing a broader group of patients, including growing children, teens, and adults who may require additional treatments like surgery, to benefit from this innovative system. The approval underscores Align’s ongoing efforts to enhance clinical outcomes and orthodontic efficiency.
The Invisalign Palatal Expander System is a groundbreaking device, incorporating direct 3D printing technology that is based on proprietary and patented methods. Designed for rapid expansion and subsequent retention of the narrow maxilla (upper jaw), the system is effective for a range of patients across primary, mixed, or permanent dentition phases. It is particularly beneficial in treating skeletal and dental issues by expanding the upper jaw, which can often be a challenging aspect of orthodontic care.
Simon Beard, Align Technology’s executive vice president and managing director for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), commented on the approval: “The Invisalign Palatal Expander System exemplifies Align’s ongoing commitment to revolutionizing digital orthodontics. It offers both enhanced efficiency for orthodontic professionals and a more comfortable, effective treatment experience for young patients. We are excited to bring this 3D printed alternative to traditional palatal expanders to more doctors and their patients throughout the EMEA region.”
A key feature of the Invisalign Palatal Expander System is its customization. Each device is 3D printed to fit the patient’s unique anatomy based on a digital scan obtained from an iTero™ intraoral scanner. The system employs Align’s proprietary orthodontic software to create a tailored treatment plan and device design.
The expander consists of removable devices staged in small increments to gradually expand the narrow maxilla until it reaches the desired position as determined by the treating doctor. This approach ensures a personalized and precise solution for each patient.
Align Technology is well-known for its focus on early intervention in orthodontics, and the Invisalign Palatal Expander plays a key role in this strategy. When combined with Invisalign First™ aligners, Align provides a comprehensive Phase 1 treatment solution, which is designed for young patients to address dental and skeletal issues before all permanent teeth have erupted (typically between ages 6 and 10). Phase 1 treatment traditionally involves the use of arch expanders or partial metal braces, but Invisalign First clear aligners offer a more comfortable, effective, and visually discreet alternative for young patients. These aligners are specifically designed to address a variety of malocclusions, including managing erupting teeth, handling shorter clinical crowns, and facilitating dental arch expansion.
Dr. Mitra Derakhshan, Align Technology’s executive vice president and chief clinical officer, emphasized the growing importance of Phase 1 treatment: “Phase 1 or early interceptive treatment accounts for 20% of orthodontic cases each year and continues to grow. Together with Invisalign First aligners, the Invisalign Palatal Expanders enable us to provide orthodontists with the tools to treat common dental and skeletal issues in growing children. The addition of mandibular advancement features to the Invisalign aligners also gives doctors more options to address jaw imbalances and bite corrections, helping patients through their teenage years.”
Align Technology’s innovative solutions are setting new standards in digital orthodontics. The Invisalign Palatal Expander System, along with the Invisalign First aligners, offers orthodontists a comprehensive set of tools to address a wide range of skeletal and dental issues, particularly for younger patients. By incorporating digital technology, Align is helping orthodontists improve patient outcomes and streamline their practices.
Align Technology, which designs and manufactures the most advanced clear aligner system, Invisalign®, as well as iTero™ intraoral scanners and exocad™ CAD/CAM software, is leading the way in digital dentistry. With its extensive digital platform, Align provides enhanced workflows to orthodontists and dental professionals, ultimately improving patient outcomes and practice efficiency. Since its inception, Align has helped treat approximately 19.5 million patients with Invisalign and is continuously advancing digital dentistry through its integrated suite of proprietary technologies and services, contributing to the evolution of orthodontic care.
