Would you tell us about some of the new innovations Align has launched in the region?

Align has launched several new innovations in the past years. Most recently, we introduced the Invisalign Moderate package to the Invisalign portfolio of treatment options, which offers a 20-stage clear aligner treatment designed for Invisalign-trained doctors to treat mild- to- moderate cases. This increases the flexibility of the portfolio, offering a solution for cases that fall between the existing Invisalign Lite and Invisalign Comprehensive offerings.

As part of the overall Align Digital Platform (ADP), an integrated suite of unique, proprietary technologies and services delivered as a seamless, end-to-end experience and workflow that connects users, we have also introduced other innovations, including that of iTero Element 5D Plus imaging system, which launched in February 2021. We call it 5D because it can simultaneously record 3D images, intra-oral scans, intra-oral colour and near-infrared images—for interproximal caries—all in the same full-arch scan in as little as 60 seconds. iTero intraoral scanners are known for their orthodontic use; however, iTero solutions also enhance restorative treatment predictability.

Another innovation is the Invisalign Outcome Simulator Pro, a next generation advanced patient communication tool which enables doctors to show patients their potential new smiles after Invisalign treatment, using in-face visualisation and/or 3D dentition view, all done chairside in minutes. The Invisalign Outcome Simulator Pro expands Align’s existing Invisalign Outcome Simulator technology and adds the benefits of Align’s ClinCheck “In-Face” Visualization tool that combines a photo of a patient’s face with their 3D treatment simulation, creating a truly personalized view of how their new smile could look.

We’re continuously evolving our technology innovation to help give doctors and their patients an end-to-end visual experience, from engaging the patient to monitoring the treatment plan, and as part of that commitment Align has invested over $1.6 billion on research and development, over more than 25 years in the industry.

As the Invisalign product portfolio expands, what benefits will both dentists and patients choosing to use Invisalign clear aligners have?

As Invisalign's product portfolio continues to expand, the benefits for both dentists and patients using Invisalign clear aligners will become clearer. The improved digitalised approach to oral healthcare has already yielded better clinical outcomes, enhanced patient experiences, greater convenience, improved visualisation, and higher practice growth for dentists. The recent addition of Invisalign Moderate, iTero tools, and the evolution of the Align Digital Platform has further optimised the end-to-end workflow for practices, allowing for a more tailored treatment plan to meet each patient's specific needs. By adopting this digital approach, the information provided to patients allows them to make more informed decisions regarding their treatment options and gives them greater access to ongoing treatment support and monitoring from their dentist throughout the process. As digital technology continues to play an increasingly significant role in dentistry, more patients are choosing Invisalign as their preferred treatment option, and more dentists are adopting digital platforms to treat a broader range of cases.

We are seeing both dentists and patients opting for clear aligner treatment to treat a wider patient age range as well as increasingly complex cases. Can you tell us about some of the trends you’ve seen in this regard?

The Invisalign system has been used by doctors to treat more than 15 million patients[1], of which more than four million[2] have been teenagers. Investing heavily in innovation and the applicability and predictability of the Invisalign System has increased the age range and complexity of cases that can be treated with the Invisalign System. For example, we introduced Invisalign First, which is dedicated to interceptive orthodontics in younger patients, on average between the ages of six and ten. This is a target group that has not historically been treated with clear aligners. We are also seeing increasingly complex cases being treated with Invisalign clear aligners as the clinical capabilities of the Invisalign System broadens.

There is increasing awareness and adoption of clear aligner treatment, particularly the Invisalign System. Align is actively conducting market research in the region to better understand patient behaviour and preferences, particularly in the growing patient market. In this research, which will be released within the coming months, we’re looking at the most influential factors when parents are considering this treatment type for their child, and how orthodontists can best equip both parents and the children or teens, to make decisions around their orthodontic health.

With the rise of digital technology in everyday life, we also see the value in providing patients a similar experience when it comes to their dental care, by enabling patients of all ages to interact digitally throughout their treatment journey. That’s why the Align Digital Platform suite of digital tools is enabling patients to engage with their provider and treatment device digitally.

As we continue to learn and evolve our understanding of patients’ needs and preferences, we remain committed to providing the most innovative and patient-centric digital solutions for orthodontic treatment.

We’re seeing technology play an increasingly vital role in healthcare, particularly here in the region, where governments are working towards digital transformation goals. Where do you see the development of AI contributing to oral healthcare?

AI has a significant role to play in advancing oral healthcare. In today's world, AI and machine learning are helping support the analysis and decision-making processes, leading to continuous technological improvements, and dentistry is no exception.

Align’s fully integrated end-to-end digital workflows include digital patient data, analysis and diagnosis, treatment planning, orthodontic appliances, and tools that support improved doctor-patient experiences.

We have developed an integrated digital consumer and patient Invisalign journey, from awareness, when consumers are thinking about teeth straightening, to the evaluation phase, when consumers can access a chatbot in addition to the Invisalign website and Smile Concierge, SmileView and the MyInvisalign app. This continues throughout the patient’s consultation phase with the physician, through the use of in-office iTero scanning, to the onboarding and Invisalign use phase, when Invisalign patients can share and recommend their Invisalign journey on social media.

One of the key enablers of the Align Digital Platform is our treatment planning capabilities. Over time, as we look to reimagine the treatment planning experience, we will continue to introduce new technologies, features, and functionality, that improve predictability, treatment planning, utilisation of clinical preferences, and 2D/3D imaging; including digital tools for faster and better case set ups with more accurate final tooth positions.

The focus on digital tools is not only helping improve treatments but also emphasising prevention. There is a paradigm shift in healthcare from simply treating disease, to maintaining good health to prevent disease. This change of approach is aligned with a comprehensive dentistry approach involving interdisciplinary diagnosis and planning. Utilising AI, dentists can provide patients with comprehensive digital dentistry solutions, enabling better communication, diagnosis, and treatment planning. AI-powered tools can help diagnose misalignment and malocclusion earlier, resulting in better oral health outcomes.

The Align Digital Platform provides digital dentistry solutions powered by AI, cloud computing, and machine learning, resulting in a richer, more integrated, and seamless experience for both doctors and their patients.

What other trends do you expect to see in the dental industry in the region in the next few years?

In the next few years, we expect to see a significant shift towards a more patient-centric approach in the dental industry. This includes a strong focus on preventative care and a greater emphasis on the overall patient experience. The digitalisation of the practice workflow will play a key role in facilitating this shift. By adopting a digital ecosystem, dentists can provide more efficient, precise, and comfortable treatments to their patients. This will involve monitoring patients remotely and empowering them to take an active role in their oral health. In addition to enhancing the patient experience, digitalisation will also enable dentists to improve how they diagnose and communicate with patients, plan and perform more consistent treatments, and care for more patients in shorter periods of time. These trends are reflective of a broader movement towards improving user experiences through the implementation of digital solutions, which are seen in various fields beyond healthcare.

What are Align’s plans for 2023 across the region?

Align’s plans for 2023 include continuous investment in order to increase access to innovation, and focusing on expanding geographically in the Middle East.  We’re solidifying our presence in Oman by building on last year's introduction into the country through additional resources to support Omani dentists, and we recently hosted the official launch event in Muscat where we were able to showcase our commitment to the region, welcoming over 130 orthodontists, clinic owners, and general dentists from across the Sultanate.

We recently participated in the annual conference of the Saudi Orthodontic Society, and we expect to continue our collaboration with doctors and the organisations that support them whilst looking at future collaborations with other local dental organisations. These efforts will be focused on the main pillars of increasing access to innovation, increasing confidence in digital dentistry and, in general, improving the patient and dentist experience by digitising the workflow.

Align is dedicated to investing in knowledge-sharing and the promotion of the benefits of doctor-led therapy. We are committed to raising awareness around the importance of doctor-led care for optimum patient results and clinical outcomes and will continue to work in collaboration with the orthodontic and dental professional associations in the region. This commitment is achieved through collaborating with several organisations, such as the Centre for Advanced Professional Practices.

We recently hosted our first Align master class in Kuwait to reinforce our commitment to sharing the benefits of the Invisalign System with more doctors in the market. In addition, we have continued plans to provide peer-to-peer coaching programs, particularly for dentists new to the Invisalign System, a tool which proves ever-valuable as we saw great success with a recent workshop delivered in May focussing on growing dental practices with teens and kids.

These local efforts complement our global initiatives and are all aimed at demonstrating our dedication to supporting dentists and orthodontists.

We continue to expand our team of talented individuals who support dental practices and aid in better clinical outcomes, patient experiences, and practice growth. As the region experiences change and development, we strive to remain at the forefront and be a valued support for dental practices, helping orthodontists and dentists build their practices for the future.