Invisalign Smile Architect Unveils Software for Treatment Comparisons

Align Technology, the company behind the Invisalign System, has introduced a significant update to its Invisalign Smile Architect software, enabling dental practitioners to compare multiple treatment plans side by side. This innovation, which became public on October 24, 2024, is designed to facilitate visual comparisons between orthodontic-only and ortho-restorative treatment plans, integrated directly into Align’s ClinCheck treatment planning software.

The update, which builds upon Align’s digital orthodontic ecosystem, promises to improve patient consultations by allowing practitioners to demonstrate, in real-time, the advantages of various treatment options. Chief Product and Digital Officer Sreelakshmi Kolli commented, “Invisalign Smile Architect with multiple treatment plans was developed to help doctors facilitate patient education by providing treatment planning options that support more informed treatment decisions and ultimately enhance practice growth.”

Enhanced Patient Experience Through Visual Comparison

One of the update’s core features includes the capability for doctors to use the iTero scanner during office visits to create visual treatment simulations. This allows patients to view both ortho-only and ortho-restorative treatment plans side by side, giving them a clearer understanding of their options. The technology also offers dental practitioners the choice to submit patient records and develop personalized ClinCheck treatment plans remotely. This development reflects Align Technology’s commitment to enhancing both the accuracy of treatment plans and the patient’s overall understanding of potential outcomes.

The ortho-restorative approach, which combines Invisalign System’s orthodontic benefits with restorative care, is a growing trend in modern dentistry. This approach allows for minimal tooth reduction, aided by a tooth mass analysis tool, which helps dentists assess how much alteration is necessary to achieve the desired outcome.

A Game-Changer for Dental Practitioners

The latest update has been lauded by early users for transforming traditional aesthetic restorative treatments into minimally invasive plans. Dr. Michael DiTolla, a cosmetic dentist based in Lodi, California, praised the software as a “major leap forward in restorative dentistry.” He highlighted the value of the multiple treatment plans feature, stating, “I’ve waited my entire career for a product like Invisalign Smile Architect! It makes transforming traditional aesthetic restorative cases into minimally invasive ortho-restorative plans easy by visualizing the best aesthetic outcome through optimal tooth positioning.” DiTolla noted that the tool has led to greater patient understanding and acceptance of treatment, which he believes will benefit compliance rates throughout treatment.

Dr. Karla Soto, a general practitioner and Align Faculty member based in Boca Raton, Florida, shared a similar sentiment, underscoring the software’s role in improving patient engagement and understanding of treatment options. “This latest release of Invisalign Smile Architect software has enhanced my ability to engage patients by allowing them to visualize potential treatment outcomes, including aesthetics,” said Dr. Soto, adding that the visual component has resulted in higher Invisalign case acceptance at her practice.

Integrated Platform for Streamlined Workflow

Align’s Digital Platform is the foundational ecosystem unifying this new tool with other technologies, including the ClinCheck Smile Video, Flex Rx, Invisalign Personalized Plan (IPP), and ClinCheck Live Update. This integration aims to streamline the workflows of dentists, labs, and patients, allowing all parties involved in treatment to connect within one unified system. Through the inclusion of features like facial line analysis, tooth mass evaluation, and in-face visualizations, Align Technology has created an end-to-end solution for dental professionals, positioning itself as a leader in the digital transformation of orthodontics and restorative care.

Market Launch and Accessibility

The enhanced Invisalign Smile Architect software with multiple treatment plan options will be available to Invisalign-trained doctors in the fourth quarter of 2024. This release marks another step in Align’s long-standing commitment to digital innovation, which has transformed the dental industry since the company’s inception 27 years ago. Over this time, Align Technology has enabled over 18.9 million patients to undergo orthodontic treatment with the Invisalign System.

Align Technology’s goal with this software update is to continue providing dental professionals with the tools to achieve high standards of patient care, enhancing both practice growth and patient satisfaction.