Align Technology Launches AI-Powered Align X-ray Insights in EU and UK
Align Technology, Inc., a global leader in medical devices known for its Invisalign® clear aligner system, iTero™ intraoral scanners, and exocad™ CAD/CAM software, has announced the launch of Align X-ray Insights in the European Union and the United Kingdom. Part of the Align™ Digital Platform, this innovative AI-powered software provides computer-aided detection (CADe) to automatically analyze 2D dental X-rays, helping clinicians improve diagnosis, streamline workflows, and enhance patient engagement.
Align X-ray Insights is designed to support clinicians in diagnosing a wide range of oral and dental health conditions, such as cavities, periapical radiolucencies, and periodontal bone loss. The software utilizes advanced artificial intelligence to analyze X-rays, offering detailed, color-coded reports with an automated graph that highlights abnormal findings, including images of affected teeth. These reports help clinicians communicate diagnoses to patients more effectively and plan the most appropriate treatments.
A recent survey of early adopters of Align X-ray Insights found that 95% of clinicians found the software helpful in communicating with their patients about their oral health status. Moreover, 91% of respondents agreed that demonstrating the technology to patients enhanced their confidence, leading to better treatment acceptance, especially for restorative procedures. This illustrates how the AI-powered tool not only improves diagnostic accuracy but also strengthens patient-clinician communication, which is crucial for ensuring patients are informed and involved in their treatment plans.
With the goal of improving overall oral health, Align X-ray Insights integrates seamlessly with the Align™ Oral Health Suite, a comprehensive digital solution designed to improve the clinical framework for oral health discussions. This suite includes features such as near-infrared imaging (NIRI) technology available through iTero intraoral scanners. By combining AI-driven radiographic analysis with NIRI technology, Align continues to push the boundaries of digital dentistry and provide clinicians with valuable tools for more informed treatment planning.
“Align X-ray Insights represents a significant advancement in our digital solutions for restorative dentistry because it can be applied more broadly to patients,” said Simon Beard, Executive Vice President and Managing Director for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) at Align Technology. “By integrating AI into radiographic analysis, we are empowering clinicians with more accurate diagnostic capabilities that improve outcomes for their patients. This launch demonstrates our commitment to innovation and further expansion of the Align Digital Platform.”
Professor Falk Schwendicke, Director of the University of Munich Dental Clinic, praised the integration of AI into dental diagnostics, stating, “It’s fantastic how Align X-ray Insights integrates with the Align Digital Platform and brings AI diagnostic capabilities to dentists around the world. We initially anticipated improving patient outcomes through better diagnoses and treatment decisions. However, we’ve since learned that the real value of Align X-ray Insights lies in its ability to foster better communication with patients and facilitate the writing of systematic, comprehensive reports.”
Align Technology’s acquisition of dentalXrai GmbH in 2022 laid the foundation for this new software, which has now been fully integrated into the Align Digital Platform. Align X-ray Insights is cloud-based, making it accessible from any desktop or tablet device, including integration with iTero intraoral scanners. Clinicians can now access the software to evaluate X-ray images more efficiently, enhancing their workflow and providing more accurate diagnostic results.
The desktop and tablet versions of Align X-ray Insights will be available across the EU and UK starting March 25, 2025. The software will also be showcased at the International Dental Show (IDS) in Cologne, Germany, from March 25-29, 2025. In addition to the desktop and tablet versions, a limited market release of the integration with iTero scanners will begin soon. Align X-ray Insights has already received regulatory approval in Europe, the UK, Canada, and New Zealand, with plans for expansion to other countries upon receiving additional approvals, such as the 510(k) clearance in the United States.
As part of its introduction, Align is offering a 60-day free trial for clinicians who are interested in exploring the software’s capabilities.
Align Technology’s continuous innovation in digital solutions is a testament to the company’s commitment to improving patient care and supporting dental professionals with advanced technology. By combining AI with powerful diagnostic tools like Align X-ray Insights and iTero intraoral scanners, Align is shaping the future of digital dentistry and enhancing the capabilities of clinicians around the world.
