Launch in London—Shaping the Future of Pediatric Orthodontic Treatment
Align Technology has officially launched the Invisalign Palatal Expander (IPE) system in the United Kingdom and Ireland during a prestigious black-tie event held in central London.
This groundbreaking innovation features a series of 3D-printed appliances designed to gradually expand the upper arch in children aged 6 to 11. With its removable and child-friendly design, this method offers a more comfortable experience for young patients while addressing several limitations of traditional palatal expanders—notably reducing the number of follow-up appointments required during orthodontic treatment.
Amid the growing demand for orthodontic treatment in children and adolescents, the launch of the IPE allows Align to offer a more comprehensive early intervention solution alongside its Invisalign First line. The system ensures a comfortable treatment experience while providing improved support for pediatric oral hygiene.
1. What Is the Invisalign Palatal Expander?
The IPE is a palatal expansion solution designed for children aged 6 to 11. It is digitally designed and manufactured using advanced 3D printing technology. The device enables precise, phased expansion of the palate while ensuring a comfortable experience, maintaining optimal oral hygiene, and fitting seamlessly into a child’s daily lifestyle.
- Designed based on Itero Lumia scan data for maximum accuracy
- Fully integrated with Invisalign First, creating a continuous treatment flow from expansion to alignment
- Aesthetic and functional—no metal, easy to remove, boosting children’s confidence in school and social interactions.
Moreover, the use of additive manufacturing (3D printing) enables the production of lightweight, flexible, biocompatible appliances that are not only clinically effective but also significantly more comfortable for pediatric patients. These appliances deliver controlled, gradual expansion forces over time, guided by a predetermined activation schedule built into the design—eliminating the need for manual screw adjustments.
2. Clinical Benefits of the Invisalign Palatal Expander vs Traditional Palatal Expanders
Compared to conventional metal-based fixed palatal expanders—which are attached to the teeth and require daily screw activation—this new appliance offers a number of outstanding clinical advantages for pediatric care. As an innovative 3D-printed solution, it is transforming early-phase treatment with a patient-centered approach. Below are the key benefits of using this system in early interceptive care:
Easy to remove, easier to clean, greater comfort for pediatric patients
Less pain and reduced anxiety
Aesthetic appeal
No food restrictions
Fewer appointments and fewer emergencies
Many orthodontists attending the event expressed enthusiasm for the device from their very first clinical experience. Dr. Marissa Bell, an orthodontic specialist based in the UK, remarked that “it looks fantastic compared to traditional fixed metal expanders.” She emphasized that its removable design makes oral hygiene significantly easier for young children and praised the appliance’s slim profile, noting it “takes up much less space in the mouth.”
Similarly, Dr. Catherine McCanny shared that the system is “much more patient-friendly” and described it as “truly exciting” to implement in today’s clinical workflows.
3. Future Potential: Clinical Potential for Practices and Benefits for Parents and Pediatric Patients.
With the introduction of this advanced appliance, experts believe that early orthodontic care is entering a new chapter. According to recent statistics, treatments in younger age groups now account for approximately 20% of all cases each year, and this figure continues to grow. The trend reflects a rising awareness among parents who are seeking early intervention for their children, as well as a growing readiness among clinics to adopt next-generation solutions tailored to pediatric needs.
From the perspective of families, early-phase correction offers numerous practical advantages. Children can now experience palatal expansion in a gentler, less painful manner, with minimal disruption to their daily routines or oral hygiene. Parents also gain greater peace of mind, knowing the appliance is easy to remove for cleaning, gentle on tissues, and enables their child to eat and drink comfortably—without lifestyle limitations.
VCAD believes that the Invisalign Palatal Expander System represents a major breakthrough in global orthodontics, ushering in a new era of “smart and aesthetic treatment for children.” More than just a replacement device, this introduces an entirely new treatment philosophy: timely intervention, minimal invasiveness, and maximum personalization.
Reading more:
Transforming early orthodontic treatment with the Invisalign Palatal Expander System
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