Align technology’s new attachment-free activation feature is sure to inflate invisalign’s sales

Align Technology, Inc. ALIGN, the mastermind behind Invisalign clear aligners, has introduced a new SmartTrack feature, attachment-free aligner activation. Building on the foundational biomechanics for clear aligners and its extensive Invisalign data of more than 15.7 million Invisalign patients, Align Technology unveils SmartForce’s newest feature in late 2023. This new attachment-free aligner activation feature minimizes the need for attachments while maintaining predictable treatment outcomes.

Previously, Invisalign aligners required the attachment of small button-like appendages onto the teeth to move teeth effectively. These are called SmartForce attachments that act as grips for clear aligners, helping to hold them in place and tailored to bring about specific tooth movements. With this new attachment-free feature, dentists can optimize the use of clear aligners and offer a more aesthetic solution to patients.

The attachment-free aligner activation feature is built into the Align Digital platform and operates as the newest innovation of the Align digital workflow. The Align digital workflow includes specialized tools for each stage of the Invisalign treatment journey. The ClinCheck treatment planning software expands its capabilities with Live Update for 3D Controls, offering the option to initiate treatment with attachment-free aligners.

Experts postulate that this latest feature is expected to significantly boost the sales of Align Technology’s Invisalign all across the globe.

Why is this feature significant?

The SmartForce attachment feature, as mentioned previously, includes optimized attachments that are designed to deliver precise forces whenever and wherever required to bring about predictable and desired tooth movements. In certain instances, double attachments are often needed on upper front teeth to achieve the desired mesiodistal tooth root movements.

A comprehensive analysis of over 2 million Invisalign treatment cases indicates that up to 38 percent of future cases may greatly benefit from the new SmartForce attachment-free aligner activation feature, especially for mesiodistal root movement.

While Invisalign clear aligners pride themselves on being virtually invisible, these small button-like attachments prevent it from attaining its most discreet form. This new attachment-free activation option allows orthodontists to achieve certain movements using a similar force system but without the need for attachments.

This is expected to eliminate the need for double attachments in the central incisors. If the attachment is still needed for certain inevitable scenarios, aligner activation will be present using a single optimized root control attachment as with other teeth, such as canines and premolars.

Align’s latest tech, SmartForce, caters to both doctors and patients without sacrificing Invisalign’s effectiveness. For complex cases still needing attachments, a single optimized root control attachment with SmartForce aligner activation has been designed to achieve the same movement to replace the less aesthetically pleasing double option.

This new SmartForce feature with attachment-free aligner activation is expected to be available in the first half of 2024.

Industry prospects

According to the report by Allied Market Research, the global clear aligners market is currently valued at $3.8 billion in 2021. It has been anticipated that this market will reach $32.4 billion by 2031 at a CAGR of 24%. With more and more people prioritizing the appearance of their smiles, this attachment-free clear aligner technology is sure to win the favor of many prospective patients, ultimately driving the market.

With this latest feature, Align Technology is poised to dominate the niche space, capitalizing on the booming market potential.

About Align Technology, Inc.

Align Technology is a pioneer in designing and manufacturing the infamous clear aligner system, Invisalign®. They also manufacture iTero™ intraoral scanners and services, and exocad™ CAD/CAM software. Over the past 26 years, Align Technology has been critically acclaimed to have helped doctors treat over 15.7 million patients with the Invisalign System and is now driving the evolution in digital dentistry through their one-of-a-kind Align Digital Platform™.