Align Technology Announces Commercial Launch of the Invisalign® System With Mandibular Advancement Featuring Occlusal Blocks in the Philippines
Align Technology, Inc., a global leader in medical device innovation and the company behind the Invisalign® System of clear aligners, iTero™ intraoral scanners, and exocad™ CAD/CAM software, has announced the commercial availability of its latest orthodontic solution in the Philippines: the Invisalign System with mandibular advancement featuring occlusal blocks. This advanced clear aligner system is uniquely engineered to support Class II skeletal and dental correction by simultaneously advancing the mandible and aligning the teeth—a milestone that marks the company’s first integration of solid occlusal blocks into its aligner technology.
The introduction of this system represents a significant step forward in orthodontic care for growing patients. With a focus on enhancing predictability, comfort, and treatment efficiency, the new mandibular advancement solution provides clinicians with a powerful tool to manage Class II malocclusions, one of the most common orthodontic conditions worldwide.
A New Benchmark in Class II Treatment
Class II malocclusions occur when the lower jaw is positioned too far behind the upper jaw, leading to issues in bite alignment, facial aesthetics, and oral function. This condition affects an estimated 30–45% of malocclusion cases globally, making it a major clinical challenge in orthodontics. If not addressed early, Class II discrepancies can lead to long-term functional difficulties, aesthetic concerns, and a greater likelihood of more complex treatment later in life.
Align’s latest innovation aims to intervene during the period when patients are still experiencing craniofacial growth. The system is specifically designed for growing patients aged 10 to 16, typically in the late mixed or early permanent dentition stages. By capitalizing on natural growth potential during adolescence, the Invisalign System with mandibular advancement featuring occlusal blocks provides a clinically effective, non-invasive approach to correcting jaw discrepancies while managing tooth alignment in a unified treatment pathway.
Integrated Occlusal Blocks: A First for Invisalign
What sets this system apart is its integrated solid occlusal blocks, engineered through laser welding to ensure strength and durability. These rigid blocks are fundamental to mandibular advancement, as they help posture the lower jaw forward while enabling simultaneous tooth alignment. The solid design minimizes the risk of crushing—one of the common issues seen with earlier removable functional appliances—ensuring consistent mandibular positioning throughout the treatment period.
The occlusal blocks also facilitate vertical opening, allowing clinicians to initiate mandibular advancement earlier in cases such as skeletal Class II malocclusion with a deep bite or Class II Division 2 cases, which often previously required a pre-mandibular advancement (pre-MA) stage. Although some crossbite cases may still require preliminary correction, the integrated-block system significantly streamlines the treatment process for most patients.
Key Benefits and Clinical Advantages
The Invisalign System with mandibular advancement featuring occlusal blocks delivers multiple clinical and patient-centered benefits, making it a comprehensive solution for Class II correction.
1. Improved Treatment Efficiency
The system eliminates the need for multiple orthodontic appliances. Traditionally, treating a patient with Class II malocclusion and deep bite would require separate phases: first using functional appliances for skeletal correction, followed by braces or aligners for tooth alignment. Align’s new system combines these steps:
- Simultaneous skeletal and dental correction
- Faster initiation of the MA phase
- Reduced risk of aligner delays due to block damage
- Consistent structural integrity due to laser-welded solid blocks
This integrated approach minimizes treatment time and reduces the overall burden for both patients and practitioners.
2. Enhanced Comfort and Better Compliance
Made with Align’s proprietary SmartTrack™ material, the aligners deliver improved comfort and predictable performance. Comfort is especially critical in functional appliances for young patients, as studies have shown that discomfort often leads to poor compliance, ultimately compromising outcomes. With SmartTrack and the absence of bulky acrylic, patients experience:
- Less initial discomfort
- Easier adaptation to occlusal blocks
- More consistent wear time
- Fewer treatment interruptions
Earlier clinical experience indicates that greater comfort results in higher compliance, which directly supports more predictable mandibular advancement outcomes.
3. Predictable and Controlled Tooth Movement
The system uses Align’s suite of advanced digital technologies—SmartTrack material, SmartForce™ features, and SmartStage™ technology—to enhance tooth movement predictability throughout treatment. Additionally, unlike some traditional block appliances, attachments can be placed on teeth underneath the occlusal blocks. This supports:
- Better leveling
- Avoidance of unwanted movement
- Greater control over root and crown positioning
This combination of skeletal advancement and controlled aligner-driven tooth movement makes the system one of the most versatile solutions available for Class II malocclusion in growing patients.
Expert Endorsements From Global Orthodontic Leaders
Several orthodontists from around the world who have already incorporated the Invisalign System with occlusal blocks into their practice report positive results.
Dr. Mitra Derakhshan, EVP and chief clinical officer at Align Technology, described the innovation as a “breakthrough” in treating Class II malocclusions. According to Dr. Derakhshan, the occlusal blocks not only support mandibular engagement but also create necessary bite opening, making the solution adaptable for different Class II subtypes, including deep bite and Division 2 cases.
Practicing clinicians echo similar sentiments:
- Dr. Ronald Sluiter, New Zealand orthodontist, stated that outcomes with the system are comparable to the traditional Clark Twin Block appliance, with the added benefit of improved comfort and compliance—two factors that significantly boost treatment predictability.
- Dr. Steve Semaan of Australia noted the absence of crushing issues with the new solid blocks, allowing patients to progress smoothly through aligner stages without delays or added appointments.
- Dr. Belinda Weltman of Canada reported that young patients find it easy to adapt, maintain the advanced bite position, and avoid block distortion—contributing to smooth, comfortable transitioning through treatment.
- Dr. Francis Janisse highlighted that the system eliminates the need for auxiliary elastics or palatal coverage, simplifying aligner handling. The removable nature of aligners also allows patients to eat comfortably—something that fixed functional devices cannot offer.
Collectively, these testimonials reflect strong clinical confidence in the system’s reliability, comfort, and efficiency.
Availability Across the Asia-Pacific Region
The Invisalign System with mandibular advancement featuring occlusal blocks is now available to Invisalign-trained doctors across multiple Asia-Pacific markets, including:
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Japan
- Hong Kong
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- India
- Korea
- China
- Thailand
- Vietnam
This regional rollout expands Align’s growing portfolio of orthodontic solutions for young patients, complementing other offerings such as the Invisalign® Palatal Expander System and Invisalign First™. Together, these innovations strengthen Align’s commitment to supporting the full continuum of care for growing patients, from early-phase orthodontics to advanced skeletal correction.
