Align Technology has announced the commercial launch of the Invisalign System with mandibular advancement featuring occlusal blocks, a new clear aligner option for Class II correction in growing patients.
Align Technology has announced the commercial availability of the Invisalign System with mandibular advancement featuring occlusal blocks, a new clear aligner-based solution for treating Class II malocclusions in growing patients.
This marks Align’s first clear aligner product to incorporate integrated solid occlusal blocks. The system is designed to advance the mandible while aligning the teeth. According to the company, the occlusal blocks provide structural durability, allow vertical opening, and support earlier mandibular advancement, particularly in Class II deep bite cases.
Indicated for growing patients aged 10 to 16
The system is intended for patients in the late mixed or early permanent dentition stages (ages 10 to 16) who are still experiencing active growth. According to the company, the approach leverages natural growth potential during pre-adolescence and adolescence to improve occlusal relationships, enhance facial aesthetics, and provide long-term functional benefits.
Product features support predictable treatment
This Invisalign System reportedly minimizes the need for multiple appliances to treat conditions including severe deep bite. Invisalign occlusal blocks are solid with laser welding—to ensure structural rigidity and durability throughout the treatment—to minimize crushing. The solid occlusal blocks allow for vertical opening and enables the mandibular advancement 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, according to the company.
Attachments are allowed on the teeth under the blocks to facilitate leveling and other movement or to help prevent unwanted movements. The aligners are made from Align’s SmartTrack material, and the system incorporates SmartForce features and SmartStage technology. Together, these elements are designed to deliver more predictable tooth movement.
“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.”
“The Invisalign System with mandibular advancement featuring occlusal blocks provides the ideal block engagement that helps hold the mandible in the proper position for patients that also have mandibular asymmetry. This allows for more efficient corrections when desired,” said Dr Francis Janisse, Windsor, Ontario. “Invisalign occlusal blocks remove the need for auxiliary elastics, which removes one more obstacle for patients. In addition, the trays do not require palatal coverage like traditional removable Class ll correctors, and there are no changes in the insertion and removal process of the aligners. My younger patients love the ability to remove the aligners for eating, which is not commonly an option for patients that require fixed Class ll correctors or elastics.”
READ MORE: Dr Glaser’s 10 Commandments of Invisalign Treatment Design Revisited
Market availability
The Invisalign System with mandibular advancement featuring occlusal blocks is now commercially available in Australia and New Zealand. A limited market release is underway in North America and most EMEA countries, with broader availability expected later in 2025.
Photo: Align Technology