Invisalign's Next Generation: Invisalign G3

[MCOMarkhamOrthodontist]

Following the latest Invisalign corporate meeting in Chicago last week, there is now information regarding the newest generation of Invisalign, to be released this fall in North America.

Part of the goal of this new system is to increase the awareness of Invisalign as a technique, rather than as a product. While doctors currently have a lot of control with regards to the course of Invisalign care, it is still widely misunderstood by both doctors and the public that treatment is a technique that must be directed by an experienced doctor, not by Align technicians.

For those doctors who are currently using Invisalign properly, these modifications will not change the excellent results they have been achieving. There are some tools to make the doctor's work easier, but will have minimal impact on the patient.

If you would like to learn more, you can do so here:

http://markhamortho.blogspot.com/201...st-breaks.html

[Invizzle Rizzle]

Interesting! Invisalign keeps getting better and better. Can you elaborate on the new SmartForce features Dr. Tam?

[MCOMarkhamOrthodontist]

Align is extremely progressive in developing this invisible braces technique. I've known about G3 coming for some time now, but Align is relatively tight-lipped about all of the major changes. They are worried that both doctors and patients will wait for this "improved Invisalign". As mentioned, these are not significant changes for experienced docs, since their planning will still be the same, and therefore, there should be no difference in final results.

The biggest change is one in the ClinCheck software that the doctor uses to plan the treatment. Currently, we ask the techs to place certain attachments in certain places, but there is nothing in the software to allow us to do this on our own. Therefore, many docs do not think changes can be made, and just accept treatment as provided by the techs. For class 2 and 3 treatment, we ask patients to wear elastics, but modify the aligners when they arrive in the office. G3 will allow the doctor to request these mods in the aligner fabrication. This user interface will make it very clear that the doctor is the one who should be dictating the treatment rather than leaving it to Align techs, something that is important for patients and the doctors alike.

The SmartForce features will allow for optimized attachments on the premolar teeth. Currently, they are only on the anteriors and canines. The optimized attachments should give a better surface for the aligners to effectively rotate/intrude/extrude teeth. In addition, I believe there will be torquing ridges available on more than just the upper four front teeth.

I will keep the board posted as I find out more .

[MCOMarkhamOrthodontist]

Invisalign G3's release is October 11th. I took part in a 1.5 hour web conference call that ended about 45 min ago, regarding the new changes. I had the opportunity to ask a couple of live questions during this time as well. There are some pretty nice changes that make a lot of future Invisalign patients happy, such as the ability to have "passive aligners" and less retentive attachments.

As promised, here is the breaking news on Invisalign G3. It is quite comprehensive, so let me know if there are any questions!

Markham Centre Orthodontics: Your Markham orthodontist and Richmond Hill Braces at Work and At Play: Invisalign G3 as Discussed by Your Markham Orthodontist

[pradaprincess]

How will this affect people currently in treatment? I am currently on tray 11/16 of mid course correction with invisalign full. Does this mean that I can take advantage of the new G3 technology during my refinement stage since new trays will be completed after Oct.11, 2010?

[MCOMarkhamOrthodontist]

You will have to discuss this with your dentist. With pateints currently in treatment, Invisalign providers have an option whether they would like to continue with the previous edition of the software, or if they would like to move to G3.

As discussed in the blog, for patients undergoing treatment with experienced providers, it shouldn't make a difference which edition you are receiving, so I wouldn't be too concerned if you're confident in your doctor. Good luck!

[meagain]

So tomorrow (Monday 10/11) it comes out. I have an ortho appt Tuesday to discuss Invisalign. How does the new product release work? I.e.; is the old G2 still made available? Or are docs certified in Invisalign automatically pushed into the G3? I'm wondering if I need to ask for G3 or I'll automatically be getting it? Thanks.

[Rosieee]

What are "Passive Aligners"? I am getting my refinements in the next month or two - does this mean that my refinements will be the Invisalign G3 generation?

Thanks!
Rosie

[MCOMarkhamOrthodontist]

All new cases submitted will automatically use G3. Your doctor will have to update his/her software and in some cases, hardware to be able to use it.

For cases where you are starting refinement, the doctor has the ability to request G3 features, but does not have to.

Passive aligners are basically retainers. They hold your teeth for the arch that has finished faster in place while the teeth in the other arch continue to move.

[Rosieee]

Thanks!

[myhollywoodsmile]

Ok, I have finished my upper aligners and still have 40 something lower ones to go. I am still wearing the same yucky upper ones, just at night. I want passive retainers. :-(

[meagain]

I just met with the doc I picked and he reiterated everything is G3 now. Cool.

[Phantom Muse]

MyHollywoodSmile - Are you experiencing much movement on your uppers during the day (when the aligners are not being worn)? I have been in retainers about three months, and things are settling a bit, but even after a few hours, my retainers feel tight. Just curious as to whether or not my teeth are resisting settling or if this is the norm. I'd like to be without the retainers during the day!

I would have liked new, clean trays when I was wearing the final lower one for many weeks, too. At least no one notices how yucky they are but you!

[jb23]

Are all UK orthodontists now using G3 too? If i'm getting my impressions done in a few weeks will it be the new technology?