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Invisalign® aligners technology

August 2025

Technology and InnovationsiTero ScanningSmartTrack MaterialSmartForce AttachmentsClinCheckMyInvisalign App

Since 1997, Invisalign treatment has changed the way people straighten their teeth by combining comfort, convenience, and cutting-edge tools. What we see today is the result of more than 20 years of continuous improvement and innovation. Let’s take a closer look at how Invisalign aligners’ technology has evolved over time to create a smoother, more personalized treatment experience:

  • 1997 – Align Technology (Invisalign) launches, bringing orthodontics into the digital age.

  • 2007 – Invisalign® System introduces Vivera™ retainers, helping patients maintain their new smiles post-treatment.

  • 2008 – Invisalign System introduces aligners designed specifically for teens.

  • 2009 – SmartForce™ attachments are introduced to enhance treatment precision.

  • 2011 – Invisalign System integrates digital 3D scanning and imaging technology with their iTero™ scanner, improving the fitting process.

  • 2013 – Invisalign aligners are now made with SmartTrack material for a more comfortable and effective fit.

  • 2014 – ClinCheck® Pro software launches, allowing doctors to better plan and customize each patient’s treatment.

  • 2016 – Invisalign System now offers new aligners on a weekly schedule for faster results.

  • 2017 – Invisalign System releases mandibular advancement with enhanced precision wings.

  • 2018 – Invisalign First™ launches, offering clear aligner treatment for young children.

  • 2020 – Invisalign System launches the iTero Element™ 5D scanner technology to improve accuracy.

  • 2024 - iTero Lumina™ intraoral scanner launches, delivering faster, more accurate scans with enhanced imaging and integrated diagnostic tools to improve efficiency and patient experience.

Invisalign System technology and innovations

Invisalign System guides users through every stage of the journey. Experience how Invisalign System innovations are at the center of the treatment process, with 3D scanning and printing. Invisalign System’s state-of-the-art technology delivers a range of benefits, but at the heart of it all is targeted treatment for every smile. We’ll explore the various ways that Invisalign treatment has transformed teeth straightening for millions of people.

iTero Scanner and 3D Imaging

The iTero scanner – developed by Align Technology, the makers of Invisalign aligners – helps orthodontists take 3D images of your teeth. Thanks to advanced digital technology, orthodontists can now skip the messy, uncomfortable dental putty and get digital impressions that are 59% quicker than conventional impressions.1 These digital impressions are used to create custom aligners designed to fit your smile.

SmartTrack™ Material

Invisalign aligners are made of a proprietary material that moves your teeth more predictably2 and comfortably.2 Invisalign treatment combines SmartTrack material and SmartForce features to move your teeth more predictably2 and provide the results you want.

SmartForce™ Attachments

SmartForce attachments are small, tooth-colored pieces that help aligners to move your teeth more effectively. To learn whether you need SmartForce attachments before or during your Invisalign treatment — and how they’re applied — visit a provider near you. You can also explore our resource hub for articles on Invisalign attachments, the treatment process, and more.

Mandibular Advancement

Invisalign System with mandibular advancement featuring enhanced precision wings are developed to move the lower jaw forward and align it with the upper jaw. This innovative design helps to guide jaw movement and correct bite misalignments, providing the following benefits:

  • Efficient Treatment: Invisalign aligners with mandibular advancement are designed to move your jaw and teeth forward at the same time.

  • Comfort: Orthodontists who treat patients who have Invisalign treatment with mandibular advancement report increased satisfaction and comfort compared to traditional, fixed appliances.3

  • Clinically Proven: A study found that Invisalign treatment with mandibular advancement is effective when treating certain types of bite problems in growing patients.4

  • Improved Durability: The design of the wings on the Invisalign System with mandibular advancement has been improved to make them more durable.5

If you have a bite misalignment, you may want to ask an Invisalign-trained provider about the Invisalign System with mandibular advancement. To find a provider near you, use the Doctor Locator tool.

Treatment planning

ClinCheck® treatment planning software is specialized to let your provider map out every step of your smile transformation in advance and help turn treatment into a seamless, interactive experience.

Using 3D models of your teeth, your doctor will design a plan tailored to your bite and monitor each tooth movement throughout your treatment. To begin your Invisalign treatment, visit a certified Invisalign provider. Your doctor will design a personalized plan tailored to your smile and will closely monitor your treatment as your teeth are gently shifted into the correct positions.

Treatment progress tracking with the My Invisalign™ app

The My Invisalign app is designed to help you stay on track on your Invisalign treatment. With the My Invisalign app, you can set up reminders to wear and replace your aligners as well as monitor your smile progress through the Smile Gallery. If your doctor provides Invisalign Virtual Care®, you can send photos directly and receive feedback from your provider from the My Invisalign app.

Talk to an orthodontist about Invisalign Treatment

Ready to take the next step now that you’ve seen how Invisalign aligners’ technology has evolved to provide treatment that’s more comfortable than braces?6 Contact your local orthodontist, dentist, or dental health provider. They can assess your situation, answer your questions, and work with you to create a treatment plan to fit your needs.

Don’t have a dentist or orthodontist? Use the Doctor Locator tool to find an Invisalign-trained provider near you.


Disclaimer: The information contained in this website are for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please seek the advice of your health care provider with any questions you may have regarding any dental or medical-related condition and never disregard or delay seeking such advice because of something you have read on this website.

Wonder if Invisalign treatment is right for you?

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  1. Emir Yuzbasioglu, Hanefi Kurt1 Rana Turunc, and Halenur Bilir. “Comparison of digital and conventional impression techniques: evaluation of patients’ perception, treatment comfort, effectiveness and clinical outcomes.” BMC Oral Health. Published online January 30, 2014. n = 24 in a study comparing polyether with Cerac.
  2. Compared to Invisalign aligners previously made from single-layer (EX30) material.
  3. Based on the global survey in December 2020 to March 2021 in NA, EMEA and APAC regions which included the following countries (USA, Canada, France, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Australia, China, Japan), 209 Invisalign orthodontists responded to the question: “Please indicate your agreement with the following statement: “Invisalign treatment with mandibular advancement is more comfortable for the patient than Class II functional appliances I’ve used in the past (Twin Block, Herbst etc.).” Agreement scale is 1-4 with 1 being “strongly disagree” and 4 being “strongly agree.” Data on file at Align Technology, as of April 20, 2021
  4. Data on file at Align Technology, as of June 29, 2018.
  5. Data on file at Align Technology, as of September 27, 2021.
  6. Study sponsored by Align Technology and based on adult Class I, nonextraction, mild to moderate crowding cases with SmartTrack material. David W. White, Katie C. Julien, Helder Jacob, Phillip M. Campbell and Peter H. Buschang, Discomfort associated with Invisalign and traditional brackets: A randomized, prospective trial. The Angle Orthodontist Nov 2017, Vol. 87, No. 6 pp. 801-808