How was the Invisalign approach introduced?

How was the Invisalign approach introduced?

• A. Manual plaster models and trial-and-error changes
• B. Align Technology developed a process of computerizing a sequence of casts with incremental changes on which aligners can be fabricated
• C. It originated from 3D printing of models without digital casts
• D. It was adopted from Essix retainers with no digital planning

Answer: (B)

Invisalign was introduced through computer-assisted treatment planning that digitalizes dental casts and maps a sequence of incremental tooth movements to fabricate a series of aligners. Align Technology developed 3D digital models and the ClinCheck software to visualize and refine each stage of movement, so each successive aligner is designed to move teeth a little more toward the final result. This digital, staged approach is what enabled clear aligners to be produced for progressive correction, rather than relying on manual adjustments of plaster models. The other options miss this critical element: relying on manual plaster models and trial-and-error changes is the pre-digital, older approach; 3D printing of models without digital casts ignores the planning done in software; and copying Essix retainers without digital planning does not capture the program’s digital sequencing and customization.

Invisalign was introduced through computer-assisted treatment planning that digitalizes dental casts and maps a sequence of incremental tooth movements to fabricate a series of aligners. Align Technology developed 3D digital models and the ClinCheck software to visualize and refine each stage of movement, so each successive aligner is designed to move teeth a little more toward the final result. This digital, staged approach is what enabled clear aligners to be produced for progressive correction, rather than relying on manual adjustments of plaster models.

The other options miss this critical element: relying on manual plaster models and trial-and-error changes is the pre-digital, older approach; 3D printing of models without digital casts ignores the planning done in software; and copying Essix retainers without digital planning does not capture the program’s digital sequencing and customization.