Behind The Scenes At Align Technology

Innovation. Precision. High quality.

As the 3D technology behind Invisalign is so new and innovative, we thought that it would be interesting to explore what goes into making a custom-made Invisalign aligner.

Digital dentistry is a relatively new industry and Align Technology has been at the forefront of the industry since they began selling Invisalign aligners in the United States in 1998. Align Technology are the inventors and manufacturers of Invisalign aligners and it’s them that handle every step of the process, from scans and treatment plans to the finished series of aligners.

Align believe in efficiency, precision and quality which is why their automated system is as seamless as possible.

Step 1 – Scan

The first step of the Invisalign system is a scan. The iTero intraoral scanner is a market-leading 3D scanner that allows a dentist to get an accurate impression of a patient’s teeth and bite, quickly and easily. This innovative scanner allows Invisalign to have 7x less fit issues that with traditional impressions.

Step 2 – Sent to developers

Developers are the next step in the chain. It’s up to them to review the scans, create a treatment plan and to create a simulated treatment outcome. Once the treatment plan has been approved by the dentist and patient, the aligners go into production.

Step 3 – Aligners go into production

After many years of mastering manufacturing techniques, Align are able to mass customise aligners on a huge scale. Approximately 80,000 aligners are made, tracked and shipped from the factory around the world each day!

Step 4 – Aligners arrive at dentist

After the custom-made aligners have been shipped from the Align factory, your dentist will receive them. As each aligner is specific to the stage of treatment that you’re in, they’ll be sent to your dentist ready for when you need them for the next stage of your treatment.

Step 5 – Aligners fitted to your teeth

Each new aligner will be fitted to your teeth by your dentist to ensure that the fit is as it should be. Once your dentist is satisfied that they fit and are comfortable for you, you’ll be able to return home with a brand new Invisalign aligner!

With almost twenty years of experience in making custom-made clear aligners, Invisalign is the treatment of choice for many teenagers and adults wishing to straighten their teeth without using traditional metal braces.

Align Technology are continuously looking for new ways to improve the Invisalign treatment system so that more people can enjoy the convenience and subtlety of clear aligners. There’s no need for metal wires or brackets and there’s no need to change your lifestyle to get straightened teeth, as clear aligners offer the same treatment results as their metal counterparts!

Getting straighter teeth doesn’t have to be a chore, Invisalign offers a convenient and easy alternative! Take a look at our What Is Invisalign? page to find out more.