Align Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALGN), a global leader in medical devices known for its Invisalign® clear aligners, iTero™ intraoral scanners, and exocad™ CAD/CAM software, has announced the launch of its Invisalign Palatal Expander System in Hong Kong. This system is designed for a wide range of patients, including children, teens, and adults, making it suitable for various dental expansion needs, whether through surgery or other techniques.
The Invisalign Palatal Expander System is an advanced 3D-printed device developed using proprietary technology. It is designed to facilitate rapid expansion and maintenance of a narrow maxilla (upper jaw) in patients with primary, mixed, or permanent dentition.
David Carr, Align Technology’s executive vice president and managing director for Asia Pacific, emphasized the company’s dedication to enhancing digital orthodontics. “The Invisalign Palatal Expander System represents our commitment to innovative solutions that improve patient treatment experiences. We’re excited to make this transformative system available to more doctors and patients across the Asia Pacific region.”
This system features a series of removable devices that incrementally expand the maxilla to a position determined by the treating doctor. Each device is tailored to the patient’s anatomy using an iTero™ intraoral digital scan, with treatment plans developed through Align’s AI-driven orthodontic software.
When combined with Invisalign First™ aligners, the Palatal Expanders offer a comprehensive solution for Phase 1 treatment, an early orthodontic intervention for young patients typically aged 6 to 10. This phase often utilizes arch expanders or partial metal braces to address a variety of malocclusions, including shorter clinical crowns and the management of erupting teeth.
Dr. Mitra Derakhshan, Align’s executive vice president and chief clinical officer, noted that Phase 1 treatments account for 20% of annual orthodontic case starts, a number that is growing. “In conjunction with Invisalign First aligners, the Palatal Expanders allow doctors to effectively treat common skeletal and dental issues in growing children. The addition of mandibular advancement features to the aligners further enhances treatment options for skeletal imbalances during the teenage years.”
Currently, the Invisalign Palatal Expander System is available in Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong, with plans to expand into more APAC markets in 2024, pending regulatory approvals.
About Align Technology, Inc.
Align Technology specializes in designing and manufacturing the Invisalign® System, one of the most advanced clear aligner systems globally, along with iTero™ intraoral scanners and exocad™ CAD/CAM software. These technologies enhance digital orthodontic and restorative workflows, improving outcomes for over 266,000 doctors and tapping into Align’s market potential of 600 million consumers worldwide. Over the past 27 years, Align has facilitated the treatment of over 18.2 million patients using the Invisalign System, driving advancements in digital dentistry through the Align Digital Platform™, which provides a seamless, integrated solution for patients, orthodontists, general practitioners, and lab partners.
