Align Technology has announced commercial availability of the Invisalign system in the US and Canada, with mandibular advancement featuring occlusal blocks. This innovative solution is Align’s first clear aligner product with integrated solid occlusal blocks that deliver predictable mandibular advancement, addressing Class II skeletal and dental correction by simultaneously advancing the mandible while aligning the teeth. Invisalign occlusal blocks provide durability, improve engagement, and enable vertical opening to offer earlier advancement of the mandible in cases like Class II deep bite to improve treatment efficiency.
The Invisalign System with mandibular advancement featuring occlusal blocks (also referred to as MAOB) 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. By minimising the need for multiple appliances to treat conditions including severe deep bite, the system 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 minimise 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 comfort1 and compliance2. The system is made from SmartTrack material, which is predictable and more comfortable1. 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 movements3. By combining SmartTrack material, SmartForce features, and SmartStage technology, it also allows for more predictable tooth movement.1
“I am proud to announce commercial availability of the Invisalign System with mandibular advancement featuring occlusal blocks (MAOB) for the US and Canada, our largest market for growing patients,” said Srini Kaza, Align Technology EVP, research and development. “This advancement is a direct response to the needs of orthodontic practices and underscores Align’s ongoing commitment to innovation in orthodontics that enhances clinical outcomes and patient experience. By integrating occlusal blocks into our mandibular advancement feature, we are providing doctors with a powerful new tool to effectively treat growing patients with Class II malocclusions—while maintaining the esthetic and comfort benefits of clear aligner therapy.”
“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, Global Treatment Planning and Clinical Services. “The integration of occlusal blocks enhances mandibular engagement as well as provides bite opening, making this a versatile solution for different Class II malocclusions, 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
References
- Compared to Invisalign aligners previously made from single-layer (EX30) material.
- Studies show that patient discomfort with functional appliances affect patient compliance with the prescribed wear time and could lead to unsatisfactory outcomes. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34949565/
- In some cases, attachments may be removed on teeth under occlusal blocks due to interferences with other features.
