Align Technology has secured approval from China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for its Invisalign Palatal Expander System, marking a significant advancement in digital orthodontics for the Chinese market. The approval covers broad patient applicability, including growing children, teenagers, and adults, with commercial availability slated for the second half of 2025.
The Invisalign Palatal Expander System represents Align's first direct 3D-printed orthodontic appliance and is designed for the rapid expansion and subsequent maintenance of narrow maxilla (upper jaw) in patients with primary, mixed, or permanent dentition.
A Modern Approach to Palatal Expansion
Unlike traditional metal expanders, the Invisalign Palatal Expander System consists of a series of removable devices that incrementally expand a patient's narrow maxilla to a position determined by their treating doctor. Each device is custom-fabricated using proprietary and patented 3D printing technology based on the patient's unique anatomy captured through an iTero intraoral digital scan.
"The Invisalign Palatal Expander System exemplifies our commitment to advancing digital orthodontics with innovative solutions that enhance patient treatment experiences," said David Carr, Align Technology Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Asia Pacific. "We are excited to extend the availability of this transformative system to even more doctors and their patients across the Asia Pacific region."
The treatment planning process leverages Align's proprietary orthodontic software to develop a customized expansion plan and device design. This digital workflow allows for precise treatment planning and execution, potentially improving clinical outcomes and efficiency.
Expanding Early Intervention Options
The approval strengthens Align Technology's portfolio of early intervention solutions. Combined with Invisalign First aligners, the company now offers a comprehensive approach for Phase 1 treatment—an early interceptive orthodontic treatment typically for patients aged 6-10 years.
Dr. Cheng Hui, leader of Early Orthodontics at Keen Group in Shandong, China, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming availability: "With the upcoming availability of Invisalign Palatal Expander in China, I will soon be able to offer end-to-end comfortable early intervention solutions to my younger patients."
Dr. Yuan Gongjie from Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, added, "With Invisalign Palatal Expander coming to China market soon, I will soon be able to offer complete early intervention solutions that focus on both effectiveness and comfort for children."
Market Impact and Growth Potential
Phase 1 or early interceptive treatment represents approximately 20 percent of orthodontic case starts annually and is a growing segment, according to Dr. Mitra Derakhshan, Align Technology Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer of Global Treatment Planning and Clinical Services.
"Together with Invisalign First aligners, Invisalign Palatal Expanders enables Align Technology to provide doctors with a solution set to treat the most common skeletal and dental malocclusions in growing children," Dr. Derakhshan noted.
The global 3D printing market, valued at $17.5 billion in 2024, is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 16.4% through 2029, according to MarketsandMarkets. Dental applications represent a significant segment of this market, with technologies like the Invisalign Palatal Expander System positioning Align at the forefront of digital orthodontics innovation.
Align Technology, with a market capitalization of approximately $13.53 billion, has an estimated long-term earnings growth rate of 11.2%, compared to the industry average of 9.8%. The company has delivered an average earnings surprise of 3.40% over the past four quarters.
Comprehensive Treatment Solutions
The addition of the Invisalign Palatal Expander System to Align's product portfolio enhances its ability to address a wide range of orthodontic needs. When combined with Invisalign First aligners for early intervention and mandibular advancement features for teenage patients, Align offers doctors multiple options for treating skeletal and dental jaw imbalances and bite correction throughout a patient's developmental stages.
This NMPA approval represents another milestone in Align Technology's ongoing efforts to transform orthodontic treatment through digital innovation, potentially benefiting both practitioners and patients in the Chinese market with more comfortable and effective treatment options.
