Align Technology Announces Invisalign® System With Mandibular Advancement Featuring Occlusal Blocks for Class II Skeletal and Dental Correction

MANILA, Philippines–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Align Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALGN), a leading global medical device company that designs, manufactures, and sells the Invisalign® System of clear aligners, iTero™ intraoral scanners, and exocad™ CAD/CAM software for digital orthodontics and restorative dentistry, today announced commercial availability in the Philippines of the Invisalign System with mandibular advancement featuring occlusal blocks designed specifically to address Class II skeletal and dental correction by simultaneously advancing the mandible while aligning the teeth. This innovative solution is Align’s first clear aligner product with integrated solid occlusal blocks that is designed to deliver predictable mandibular advancement. Invisalign occlusal blocks provide durability, improve engagement, and enable vertical opening to offer earlier advancement of the mandible in cases like skeletal Class II with deep bite to improve treatment efficiency.
The Invisalign System with mandibular advancement featuring occlusal blocks is the latest clinical innovation that expands Align’s Class II treatment portfolio for growing patients by offering practitioners a comprehensive solution for treating growing patients with Class II malocclusions caused by mandibular retrusion. Class II malocclusion is one of the most common orthodontic problems, characterized by a discrepancy in jaw alignment where the lower jaw (mandible) is positioned too far back relative to the upper jaw (maxilla) and represents approximately 30-45% of malocclusions globally. This condition can lead to functional, aesthetic, and other challenges for patients if left untreated.
The Invisalign System with mandibular advancement featuring occlusal blocks is primarily intended for growing patients in the late mixed or early permanent dentition stages (ages 10-16), who are still experiencing growth. By leveraging the natural growth potential during pre-adolescence and adolescence, the Invisalign System with mandibular advancement featuring occlusal blocks facilitates effective correction of Class II malocclusions, helping to improve occlusal relationships, enhance facial aesthetics, and provide long-term functional benefits, including:
Efficient treatment. Minimizes the need for multiple appliances to treat conditions including severe deep bite. Treats Class II malocclusions while simultaneously aligning the teeth in a single, efficient process. Invisalign occlusal blocks are solid with laser welding, which ensures structural rigidity and durability throughout the treatment, to minimize crushing. The solid occlusal blocks allow for vertical opening and enables the Mandibular Advancement (MA) phase to begin sooner for Class ll deep bite cases or Class II div 2 patients who many times would have needed a pre-MA phase. Some crossbite cases may still need pre-MA.
Elevated patient comfort,(1) and compliance(2). Made from patented SmartTrack™ material, which is predictable and more comfortable(1). Studies show that patient discomfort with functional appliances affects patient compliance with the prescribed wear time and could lead to unsatisfactory outcomes(2).
Predictable tooth movement. Attachments are allowed on the teeth under the blocks to facilitate leveling and other movement or to help prevent unwanted movements(3). By combining SmartTrack™ material, SmartForce™ features, and SmartStage™ technology, it also allows for more predictable tooth movement (1).
“The Invisalign System with mandibular advancement featuring occlusal blocks reflects Align’s continued commitment to expanding the capabilities of the Invisalign System, enabling doctors to treat a wider range of malocclusions with precision and efficiency, and helps to continue to advance clear aligners as the standard of care in digital orthodontics,” said Sreelakshmi Kolli, Align Technology EVP, chief product and digital officer. “This latest innovation demonstrates our significant investment in delivering digital orthodontic solutions to growing patients that empower doctors to achieve predictable outcomes while enhancing the patient experience.”
“The Invisalign System with mandibular advancement featuring occlusal blocks represents a breakthrough in Class II treatment with clear aligners by allowing doctors to simultaneously address dental and skeletal discrepancies in a more predictable and efficient manner,” said Dr. Mitra Derakhshan, Align Technology EVP and chief clinical officer. “The integration of occlusal blocks enhances mandibular engagement as well as provides bite opening making this a versatile solution for different Class II malocclusion including deep bite or div 2. The Invisalign System with mandibular advancement featuring occlusal blocks, gives doctors and patients a better option for Class II correction in growing patients while simultaneously straightening their teeth, including more options for feature placement, such as attachments on teeth underneath the blocks (3).”
“Treatment outcomes with the Invisalign System with mandibular advancement featuring occlusal blocks are on par with traditional Clark Twin Blocks,” said Dr. Ronald Sluiter, an orthodontist practicing in New Zealand who has treated 50 patients to date. “In addition, the enhanced comfort of the Invisalign occlusal blocks increases predictability– because comfort leads to patient compliance–and compliance leads to better outcomes.”
“Class II correction in growing patients is smooth sailing with the Invisalign System with mandibular advancement featuring occlusal blocks,” said Dr. Steve Semaan, an orthodontist practicing in Australia. “The patients instinctively know how to bite, and it works so I don’t see any crushed blocks. The fact that we see no crushing issues means patients can keep moving through treatment without any delays or additional appointments.”
“I’m very happy with the new Invisalign System with mandibular advancement featuring occlusal blocks design,” said Dr. Belinda Weltman, Vancouver, Canada. “Patients can bite down easily without risk of damaging or distorting the blocks, and the mandibular advanced position is easy to maintain. My young patients have found it very easy to transition to this appliance with minimal discomfort, and compliance has been a breeze.