The approval of the Invisalign® Palatal Expander System by China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) represents a pivotal moment in pediatric orthodontics. With malocclusion and narrow upper jaws affecting millions of children globally, early intervention is critical to long-term oral health and facial development. Traditional expansion methods often involve uncomfortable metal devices and invasive procedures that can hinder compliance, especially in young patients. Align Technology’s entrance into this space with a modern, patient-friendly device introduces a new standard of care that prioritizes both clinical outcomes and comfort.
The Invisalign Palatal Expander System is Align’s first direct 3D-printed orthodontic appliance and utilizes proprietary digital technology to customize each device based on the patient’s anatomy. Using iTero™ intraoral scans and Align’s orthodontic software, doctors can plan precise, gradual palatal expansion through a series of removable devices. Unlike traditional appliances, this system is non-invasive, easy to use, and designed for skeletal and dental expansion across primary, mixed, and permanent dentition. It offers a breakthrough in delivering predictable and effective results without the need for fixed hardware or metal braces in the early stages of orthodontic care.